Commenting on an Application

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Comments or Objections must be made in writing and can be sent to us via email, fax, post or via an online form accessible from within the online planning application register (see the link at the bottom of this page).

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 applicaion. Legislation and Government guidance describe these matters as the "Development Plan" and other "material considerations" i.e. the content of local planning polciy relating to the 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 planning matters which can be taken into consideration include:

> Compliance with the Development Plan (i.e. Local Planning Policy)

> Design out of keeping with the character of the area.

> Dominant and oppresive environment created by the proposal.

> Excessive noise, dust, smell or nuisance.

> Highway safety or traffic impact.

> Impact upon Listed Buidings, Conservation Areas or mature trees.

> Impact upon local wildlife and biodiveristy

> Its position in respect of Government Planning Policy.

> Loss of privacy (e.g. intrusiveness from overlooking development)

Examples of issues that are not planning matters and therefore can not be taken into account

> Commercial harm to other businesses from competition.

> Devaluation of property.

> Land ownership, Boundary disputes or matters referring to legal covenants.

> Loss of private view.

> Matters covered by other legislation (e.g. Building Regulations & Environmental Permitting)

> Personal dislike of the applicant.

> Objections based on moral, racial or religious opinion.

> That a lot of people have objected.

> The work was commenced without planning permission. > Visual or Landscape Impact

All written representations 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. For applications to be determined by committee, there is an opportunity for objectors to speak and express their views in person at the meeting. Details regarding how to do this can be found by downloading the leaflet below.

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.

If you experience any problems with trying to view the "Planning Application Documents / Plans" please follow the step-by-step instructions below.