Advice on what to include in letter to council opposing planning application

simonne15_2

What you need is an organisation called 'Planning Aid'. (We were introduced to them by our local Planning department- even though we were objecting within their area.) Its an excellent free service served by Planning officers in a voluntary capacity to involve the community in Planning issues and help the ordinary resident who wouldn't otherwise have access to expensive professional aid.
They can't operate within their own Council area but will nominate someone from the nearest next area to travel to come and see your problem and discuss it with you. The guy we had, travelled from the next county.He visited and discussed then sent information and remained in contact until the case was resolved.
They obviously have at their fingertips knowledge of all the relevant laws, options etc etc. and will give you those references.The references we received would have taken us a lifetime to find, not being in that profession!

Once armed with all that, you have to do the letter composition yourself and if necessary go and attend the Planning Development Control Meeting when the case is discussed to fight your corner. Get as much local support via petition signatures etc. as you can; involve local councillors too; consider traffic/parking implications.
I plucked up the courage and applied to speak at the Planning Development Control Meeting and learned that that is acknowledged as being quite an influential thing to do rather than leave it to paperwork.
You'll find the Planning Aid contact in the phonebook or on the Net.http://www.planningaid.rtpi.org.uk/ and its Free!
Good Luck.