Object or comment on a planning application

We consult on planning and other related applications according to planning legislation. How we do this is explained in the publicity for planning applications document.

You can comment on or object to any planning application, which is yet to be decided. It does not have to directly affect you, and you do not have to have received a letter about the application. 

The first thing you need to do is to check the plans on the online planning register.

Why should I object or comment on an application?

If you have strong feelings for or against the application you can make them known. Your comment or objection must be on planning grounds.

How long do I have to object or comment on an application?

You have 21 days from the date displayed on the site notice, press notice or as stated within the letter you have received from the Council. 

I want to object or comment to an application

We will only consider comments or objections that are 'material' and relevant to planning. For example:

• principle - if you feel that the very nature of the proposal is inappropriate and that the use of land/property should not change
• overlooking - the proposal would lead to previously private areas being overlooked
• overshadowing - the height or proximity of the development would be such that unreasonable overshadowing would occur
• disturbance - there would be unacceptable intrusion in the form of noise nuisance, general disturbance, odour
• overbearing - the scale of the works means that the property/premises has an oppressive impact on surrounding areas/houses
• out-of-character - if the design, scale and use, is such that it appears to be out of character with its surroundings
• pedestrian and highway safety - the development may lead to a significant impact upon road safety

We will not consider

Non-material planning matters can include:

• issues covered by other legislation
• encroachment onto another person’s land
• the effect on property values
• loss of view
• potential difficulties in property maintenance
• private interests of objectors
• competition between rival companies

You can find out more about commenting on a proposed development by going to having your say on the Planning Portal.

How can I object or comment?

You can record your comments online directly into our online Planning Register. To do this you will need to register. Registering provides other online benefits such as:

• tracking live planning applications
• new planning applications
• alerts when the status of an application changes (pending to determined etc)

Download the Public Access 'Quick Reference Guide'

Alternatively, you can email devcontrol@wakefield.gov.uk or write to us at:

Planning Services
Development Management
Wakefield Council
Wakefield One
PO Box 700
Wakefield
WF1 2EB

Please be aware that all representations are made publicly available and will be published on our website.

To protect your privacy and comply with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other legislation, we ask that you: 

• do not include any personal information such as your phone number, email address, signatures
• avoid making any comments that are offensive, defamatory, or discriminatory, including remarks that could be considered racist, abusive, or otherwise inappropriate - any comments containing such content may be removed and could result in further action being taken

Your views are important and help inform the planning process. Please ensure your comments are respectful, relevant, and focused on material planning considerations.

How do I know my view will be taken into account?

Your views will be considered. All comments/objections will be summarised in the Officers report on the application.

Who will make the decision on the application?

Most applications are decided by officers under officer delegated powers within the Council's constitution. However some applications will be decided by the Council's Planning and Highways committee.

Can I speak at the Planning Committee meeting?

The applicant, or their agent/representative may speak in support of the application. One objector, or representative of a group of objectors, may speak against the application. Each will be allowed three minutes to make their case.

If you or your representative wish to speak at the meeting, you must register no later than 12pm on the day before. You can do this by ringing Planning Services on 03458 506 506.​

What decision can be made?

Your application may be:

• approved, possibly with conditions
• refused
• deferred to enable amendments or further information to be submitted
• deferred to enable the Planning Committee to visit the site.

How will I know the outcome for planning applications?

A copy of the decision notice will be published on the planning register on Public Access.