Representations and Letters

Professional Objection

Is there a planning proposal in your area that will affect you, and against which you want to make a protest that will have real impact? Do you want to become an important third party in a planning appeal? These are all areas in which we specialise.

If you want to object to a planning application, whether it be a new house on your street or the change of use of your local pub to a residential building, we can help you do so using our professional insight and knowledge of the planning system. We can provide a comprehensive service to all sectors from community action groups to individuals and assist with the submission of planning application objections.

Hestia Planning can work on your behalf to submit a letter of objection to the Council to ensure your voice is heard in the planning process and when applications are heard by a Planning Committee, we can also represent you and speak on your behalf at the meeting to ensure the best case is put forward.

The planning process is not the easiest process to navigate and when it comes to objecting potential planning applications it can be personal and especially important to try and put a stop to it. We understand that and will work with you to make sure the objection makes people listen and take note.

At Hestia Planning we can give a planning objection the momentum it needs.

I wanted to object to my neighbour’s application for planning permission, but I didn't know how to make my case. Hestia Planning explained everything to me and pulled together a great response which resulted in a lowering of the overall development height. We are so happy that we can retain our sunny back yard and living room. 
V. Smart

Speaking at Planning Committee

Around 90% of all planning applications are decided by senior officers “in house” under delegated powers unless an application is referred (or ‘called-in’) to Committee. 

Applications can be ‘called in’ if one or more of the following apply, depending on the particular Council’s rules:  
– Approval would be contrary to planning policy;
– The application is notably large or controversial nature;
– There is an objection from a statutory consultee (eg; Drainage or Ecology etc);
– The local Parish Council objection on valid planning grounds;
– A member (Councillor) has requested the application goes to Committee; or
– It is an applications where the recommendation is contrary to that of a statutory undertaker, e.g. the Highways Authority. 

Planning committees meet every 3-4 weeks (rarely more often than this) and are made up of local councillors and different political groups. Representations can be made to a committee by writing to members ahead of a meeting, or by speaking at it.

My application for three houses was called-in by Planning Committee. There had been a number of objections and I had the opportunity to speak but didn’t know how to put my case forward. I contacted Hestia Planning who massively took the pressure off. They registered my intention to speak, wrote a great response and attended Committee to speak on my behalf. My application was approved unanimously by the Committee. I could not thank them more! Miss B


Written Representations

The sooner one makes formal contact with members in advance of committee, the better.

Letters should be short (two or three pages) and address specific issues by the use of headings. Meetings consider a number of different applications and Councillors must read all representations in advance, as well as the committee report itself which is drafted by qualified planning officers.

It is also recommended to copy any letter to the planning officer.

Speaking at Committee

Each council will publish their own advice on speaking arrangements. Representations which will either be provided to you in advance, or will be on the council’s website (in the “democratic services” department, not the planning department).

It is vital to be aware of all the protocols, as well as to register your attendance in advance of the meeting, usually by email.

Hestia Planning can assist you in drafting letters and speeches for planning committees as well as attending them in person. Please contact us for more details and our fees. 

Can We Help You With A Planning Objection?

To ensure that your Planning Objection carries the maximum weight, you need expert help from planning specialists. We can tell you how to object to ensure the best outcome for you.

Please call us on 07463136687 or email us at hestia.planning@outlook.com.