Comments & Objections
If you wish to comment on a proposed development in a planning application, you may submit your views to the local planning authority. All comments (including objections) received will be taken into account when considering the application.
Important Points to Note
- The comments we receive cannot be confidential. Some may be read out at Planning Applications Committee. Responses associated with a particular current planning application can be made available for members of the public to view on request.
- All letters of objection/support become part of the application's casefile, which may eventually be published online.
- We do not send out acknowledgements in response to letters received.
- The nature of your comments must be relevant both to planning and to the application in question. See below for guidance.
Types of Issues to Raise
Only material planning considerations can be taken into account for the purpose of determining a planning application. Examples include:
- the relationship to local, regional and national planning policies;
- traffic impact and highway safety;
- privacy, visual impact, overshadowing and overlooking;
- noise and disturbance;
- impact on the character on the surrounding area;
- effects on trees and on the natural environment;
- concern about crime;
- poor design.
Comments can be in favour of, or in objection to, the proposal or any part of it. Remember that it is often possible for a proposal to be modified to take into account your concerns. Therefore it may be helpful to make any suggestions that would overcome your concerns.
Types of Issues not to Raise
Non-planning issues should not be raised. Examples include:
- personal morals or views about the applicant;
- possible effects on property values;
- issues relating to ownership, land encroachment, boundaries, fence lines and party walls;
- restrictive covenants;
- property maintenance;
- loss of private views;
- business competition;
- conflict with other laws.
Such matters cannot be taken into account when considering a planning application. If you raise them they will be disregarded.
Nor is it normally appropriate to suggest alternative uses for the site or alternative sites for the scheme.
Time Limits
We leave a minimum of 21 days before determining an application to allow time for comments to be submitted. We accept comments up until the time a decision is made. See Publicity & Consultations.
How to Submit your Comments
There are several ways of submitting your comments, i.e.:
- by letter;
- via email;
- on a Comments Form;
- via an online Comments Form.
Please note that it is essential to identify the application by including its reference number. Please also include the site address.
If you wish to comment on more than one application, please use a separate letter, email or form for each.
Comments by Letter
Letters should be addressed to:
Assistant Chief Executive (Regeneration),
Town Hall,
Darlington,
DL1 5QT
Alternatively, your letter can be faxed to us on 01325 388616, or delivered by hand to the Customer Service Centre.
Comments via Email
Comments can be sent via email to planning.enquiries@darlington.gov.uk.
Comments Form
The following (paper) form can be used to record your comments. It can be downloaded, printed out and filled in by hand.
The completed form should be sent to the above address, or faxed to us on 01325 388616.
Copies of this form are also available from the Customer Service Centre in the Town Hall .
Online Comments Form
Our online search & display facility for planning applications also includes a facility for submitting comments via an online form. You will need to search for the particular application that you require. When the relevant application is displayed, a link to the online comments form is provided (assuming that the application has not already been decided). Clicking on this link launches the form with the relevant application details already filled in.