Commenting on an Application

Comments can be made, by anyone, in relation to any planning applications submitted to Cumbria County Council. Any representations made in writing will be taken into consideration prior to the determination of the planning application,  whether the application is to be determined by delegated powers, or by the County Council's Development Control and Regulation Committee.   Objections to planning applications can be made in writing, by fax, or email, or by electronic submission via the link at the bottom of this page, and may also be made in person at meetings of the committee. 

Comments should relate only to "planning matters", these being the only matters that can, under the legislation, be taken into account by Cumbria County Council when determining an application.  Legislation and Government guidance describe these matters as the "Development Plan" and other "material considerations" i.e. the content of the Structure Plan and Local Plan relating to area and the impact of the proposal on the surrounding environment and infrastructure.  Applications must, under the legislation, be determined in accordance with the Development Plan, unless other matters indicate that this would, in the case concerned, be inappropriate.

Examples of such matters include:

• The position in respect of Government Planning Policy.
• Compliance or otherwise with the Cumbria and Lake District Joint Structure Plan Policy or the Cumbria Minerals and Waste Local Plan Policy.
• Impact upon Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas or mature trees.
• Dominant and oppressive environment created by the proposal.
• Design out of keeping with the character of the area.
• Highway safety or traffic impact.
• Visual intrusiveness and landscape impact.
• Excessive noise, dust or smell nuisance.
• Overlooking or Loss of privacy.
• Impact on nature conservation or the historic environment.

The following are examples of issues that can not be taken into account.

• Devaluation of property.
• Personal dislike of the applicant.
• Commercial harm to other businesses from competition.
• That a lot of people have objected.
• The work was commenced without planning permission.
• Land ownership, Boundary disputes or matters referring to legal covenants.
• Loss of private view.
• Matters covered by other legislation (e.g. Building Regulations)
• Objections based on moral, racial or religious opinion.

If you are unsure if an application has already been determined, and whether representations can still be made, please contact the Development Control Team via the contact details at the bottom of the page.

Further details regarding how to object a planning application can be found by downloading the leaflet below.