How to Search for and Comment on a Planning Application

Once submitted, planning applications are available for public inspection. This page advises how to search for, view and comment on planning applications

* Please note: If the date for comments has expired but the application is yet to be determined, comments may still be submitted via email to Planapps@westberks.gov.uk

Viewing the Plans

In person

The planning reception at the Council's Market Street Offices have copies of all applications currently being determined.

Online using Public Access

For Help, see download "How to Locate Planning Applications" on the right of this page.

Public Access allows you to view details of planning applications, including the plans (and amended plans), being considered by the Council as well as some planning history. Letters of representation and consultations are also available on-line until a decision is taken on the application. Public Access also allows you to view the weekly list of applications submitted and to submit comments on applications directly to us. Copies of decision notices issued since December 2005 are also available. For recent applications decision notices can be viewed shortly after their production.

Consultation

All applications submitted are advertised in 3 ways;

• An orange site notice will be erected by the case officer on or close to the site
• Nearby neighbours will be sent a letter informing them of the application (not all surrounding properties will always be consulted so look out for the site notice)
• Brief details of the application (site, applicant, description and application number) will usually be listed in the local media

Commenting

Please read the information about Your Personal Data before submitting comments to the the Planning Department .

Anyone interested in an application can make representation to the Local Planning Authority by writing to the Head of Planning and Trading Standards or by emailing planapps@westberks.gov.uk. Alternatively you can use the Public Access pages to submit comments online.

Please ensure that the application number is provided with your comments so that they can be processed quickly.

Any comments made on an application (including personal details such as phone numbers) will be placed on the planning application file, which is a public document and may be seen by Councillors, the applicant and members of the public. They will also be published on this website. If you require your personal details to remain confidential and not to be displayed on the website, please follow the instructions in Your Personal Data.

What Issues can be taken into account

Planning Officers are only able to take note of comments that relate to relevant planning issues. These include:

• Possible conflicts with planning policies for the area
• The height of a proposed building an whether it would overshadow neighbouring properties to an unreasonable extent
• An increase in noise, disturbance or in the level of traffic that would be harmful (this should relate to the proposal itself and not to building works)
• The appearance of a proposed building in relation to neighbours and the area

Issues such as the loss of a view or the devaluation of property are not considered to be valid reasons for objecting to a planning application.