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Comment on a planning application

Anyone can comment on a planning application that has not yet been decided.

If you do not provide your name and address, your comments will be treated as anonymous and given little weight during the decision making process. 

We receive a lot of comments, so we do not acknowledge receipt, or discuss applications.

There are some things we have to think about when considering planning applications, and some things we don’t. We are only able to take account of material planning considerations. The most common material considerations include the following, although the list is not exhaustive.

  • our planning policies

  • central Government planning guidance

  • adverse effect on the residential amenity of neighbours, by reason of (among other factors) noise, disturbance, overlooking, loss of privacy, overshadowing, etc. (*but note that this does not include noise or disturbance arising from the actual execution of the works, which will not be taken into account, except possibly in relation to conditions that may be imposed on the planning permission, dealing with hours and methods of working, etc. during the development)

  • the size, appearance, layout and density of the proposed development

  • visual impact of the development

  • effect of the development on the character of the neighbourhood

  • design (including bulk and massing, detailing and materials, if these form part of the application

  • the proposed development is over-bearing, out-of-scale or out of character in terms of its appearance compared with existing development in the vicinity

  • the loss of existing views from neighbouring properties would adversely affect the residential amenity of neighbouring owners

  • if in a Conservation Area, adverse effect of the development on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area

  • if near a Listed Building, adverse effect of the development on the setting of the Listed Building

  • the development would adversely affect highway safety or the convenience of road users but only if there is technical evidence to back up such a claim

  • daylight, sunlight and overshadowing

  • overlooking (but not loss of view) or loss of privacy

  • means of access, parking, servicing, traffic generation, highway safety

  • impact on landscape and ecological habitats

  • crime prevention and community safety

  • effect on listed buildings, conservation areas and archaeology

  • noise and disturbance

  • air quality and odours

  • ground contamination

  • flood risk

  • renewable energy, sustainability of proposed development

  • previous appeal decisions

  • hazardous materials/ground contamination

  • loss of trees

  • design, visual appearance and materials

  • landscaping

  • disabled persons’ access

  • the racial or ethnic origin of the applicant, their sexual orientation, religious beliefs, political views or affiliations or any other personal attributes

  • the reasons or motives of the applicant in applying for planning permission (for example if the development is thought to be purely speculative)

  • any profit likely to be made by the applicant

  • the behaviour of the applicant

  • nuisance or annoyance previously caused by the applicant (unless this relates to an existing development for which retrospective permission is being sought)

  • concerns about possible future development of the site (as distinct from the actual development which is currently being proposed)

  • any effect on the value of neighbouring properties

  • other non-planning laws, e.g. alcohol or gaming licences

  • private property matters such as:

    • Boundary and access disputes

    • right to light

    • damage to property during construction

    • private rights of way

    • restrictive covenants

    • private drains

    • effects on property value

  • trade competition or loss of business

  • loss of view

  • problems arising from the construction period of any works, e.g. noise, dust, construction vehicles, hours of work, etc

  • matters controlled under Building Regulations such as structural safety and fire prevention

How to comment online

If you are sure that your comment is about a matter we can consider, search for the application you wish to comment on.

If the application is still undecided, you will see a link inviting you to comment. See an example below.

screenshot of application process screen, showing that when you search for an application you can select a result and click a link to comment on an application

How to comment by post

You can also send your comments to us at: Development Management Walsall Council The Civic Centre Darwall Street Walsall WS1 1DG

Be sure to include the application number.

  • Your comments, including any personal details, will form part of the planning file and will only be used in the planning decision making process.

  • The planning file will be retained indefinitely at the council offices.

  • The planning file is a public document and will be available for inspection at the Council Offices to whoever wishes to see it. The information may also be released as part of a request under the Freedom of Information Act.

  • If there is an appeal against a refusal of planning permission for Householder applications only, representations made at the application stage will be taken forward, and there will be no further opportunity to comment.

  • All personal information provided to Walsall Council will be handled in line with our obligations under data protection law. We will ensure your information is handled securely and confidentially whilst complying with all of our statutory and legal obligations. Full details of how we use your information can be found on our Privacy page.

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