Planning application - rights regarding being informed?

vivatifosi

My parent's next door neighbour has put in planning permission to change their home into apartments. The council did not inform my parents, who have only found out by accident. They are still within time to write to the planning office (just), but would like extra time to go over the plans and register their concerns. Further to this we have noticed a planning form attached to a lamppost, but one of my parents is disabled so they do not access the house via that route (they always use the back and the sign is to the front).

Does the local planning office have a duty to write directly to the immediate neighbours (they found out from the immediate neighbours the other side who did receive a letter)? Can we ask for a deferral due to the circumstances outlined above?

Many thanks!

Doozergirl

They should write to the neighbours either side. Letters in my area are addressed to 'the occupier'. The sign outside is designed as a catch-all.

Do you really need a deferral? A quick note will do it. It isn't your neighbours fault if you didn't get a letter, and it isn't really fair to hold them up if you can get a letter/email in to the planning department in time.

There are very specific things which you can object to. Have they seen the plans at all? They could always knock next door and ask to see them. I'm sure they won't mind and they would probably show them what they wanted to do in relation to the existing building.

vivatifosi

Hi Doozergirl,

Wow that was quick! Thanks!

We haven't seen the plans yet. I should have clarified that the house next door is unoccupied and owned by developers, which is why its more of a problem. I have tried to look the plans up on the internet, but can't access them.

Also, the neighbours the other side (who did get the letter) are trying to move and have their house under offer. I've heard somewhere that they now have a duty to inform their estate agents. Is that true? If so I should probably tell them.

Doozergirl

They have no duty to inform anyone. The planning application will show up on the local searches that the buyer has carried out.

I'd get down to have a look asap. I doubt the council will offer any form of extension on the consultation period if a sign has been sitting outside the house for a couple of weeks.

You can make your comments while you are there. I suspect that a Planning Officer will help with what constitute valid objections.