Comment on a planning application
You can comment on a planning application online using Public Access for planning. To make sure your comment counts, please read this page.
All planning applications can be viewed on Public Access. You can also visit our council offices in High Wycombe and our area offices in Marlow and Princes Risborough to view planning applications. How to find us
Search for an application and then click on the comments tab. You must log in to make a comment.
You can also comment in writing, by email (planning@wycombe.gov.uk) or post. Please quote the planning application reference number, the case officer and address of the site.
For your comment to be considered you must:
- Object to or support an application on planning grounds (see "What can I comment on?" below)
- Give your name and address (which will be made public). Anonymous comments are not considered
- Comment within the stated deadline
We receive hundreds of comments on applications each year. It is not possible to acknowledge receipt or respond to your comments directly.
What can I comment on?
Comments on the following planning grounds can be taken into account:
- Loss of privacy
- Loss of light
- Car parking
- Traffic generation
- Noise and disturbance
- Character of the area
- Green belt
- Conservation area
- Design, appearance and layout
- National and local policies
Matters not normally taken into account include:
- Loss of value to property
- Loss of view
- Personal disagreements
- Boundary disputes
- Covenants
- Commercial competition
- Construction disturbance
- Sunday trading
- Matters controlled under other legislation such as Building Regulations
Planning petitions
If a lot of people have a similar view to you, you may organise a petition. These should state names, addresses and the objections or supporting comments of those signing it. It is better to have a short petition from residents who will be affected than a long petition signed by people who live far away or will not be affected by the proposal.
New planning applications
A letter will be sent to the properties adjoining an application site and a planning officer will notify the properties they consider most affected by the proposal.
The notification invites you to view the application and make comments. Some applications are advertised by a notice near the application site and are also advertised in the Bucks Free Press every Friday.
Considering your comments
All comments received will form part of a public document, filed on the application file and available for public viewing online on Public Access for planning. Therefore do not supply details you do not want published.
Where appropriate, we may seek amendments to the application to overcome concerns. If there are significant amendments to the application, we will notify you again and give you another opportunity to comment.
How we reach a decision
Most applications are decided under delegated powers, although some applications may be decided by a panel of councillors at a Planning Committee meeting held every fourth Wednesday at 6pm. Please see speaking at Planning Committee
After a decision is made
Once a decision is made the Decision Notice will be placed on the application file and available to view on Public Access for Planning and at the council offices.
Permission granted
A planning permission may include conditions such as hours of operation or restrictions on adding openings to an elevation.
Objectors have no legal right to appeal against our decision. But if you are unhappy with the way we have arrived at a decision, you can complain. To find out how see our complaints and compliments page.
If you are still unsatisfied, you can contact the Local Government Ombudsman on 0845 602 1983.
Permission refused
Applicants can either re-apply for planning permission with an alternative scheme, or they can appeal against the refusal. You can find out about the appeal process on the Planning Inspectorate's website (see link below).
If the applicant appeals
The applicant has six months from the date of decision to appeal against a refusal or against conditions imposed on permission. We will consult you if an appeal is made and you can write to the Inspectorate with your comments. If the appeal is allowed, our decision could be overturned and conditions replaced or removed. However, if the appeal is dismissed, our decision remains the same but the applicant is still free to re-apply for permission with an altered proposal.
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