The planning system operates in the interest of the public,
seeking to control new development to ensure the best outcome for
the wider community. We provide an opportunity for the public to
consider the effects planning proposals may have, and submit
comments.
How we consult on planning applications
We are legally required to publicise all planning applications.
We do this by letter, and/or site notices, and/or press notices. We
also publish a weekly list of planning applications
received.
Search and view applications
Our online
search and view planning applications (external link) facility
allows you to view all documents and plans associated with
applications (those received since 1 January 2005). Alternatively,
you can inspect a copy of the planning application by visiting the
Council Offices at Derby Street, Ormskirk or the Concourse,
Skelmersdale. Our offices are open 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to
Thursday and 9.00am to 4.45pm on Friday.
If you require further information about the application you can
speak to the case officer. Alternatively, we have a duty officer
available at the planning reception at the Derby Street Council
Offices, 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am to 4.45pm
on Friday, to answer any queries you may have.
How to comment on planning applications
You have 21 days to comment on an application, from the date
notification was made and can only comment on an application
that has not yet had a decision. You can object to the proposal,
support the proposal or just express a general view. Comments
should be made in writing:
- online using the
planning application comments form. This facility is
restricted to a maximum of 2000 characters.
- alternatively, if you wish to submit additional
information with your comments such as photographs, plans, etc
these can be emailed to plan.apps@westlancs.gov.uk
- write to the Planning Division, West Lancashire Borough
Council, 52 Derby Street, Ormskirk, L39 2DF. Please make sure that
you provide the application reference and address of the
proposal.
Comments can be made by anyone, whether in support of or
objecting to an application, although comments relating to
'material planning considerations' can only be taken into
account. We advise you to view the details of the application
and plans before submitting any opinions. Please note that all
comments will be available for inspection by the public and will be
able to be viewed on the website. Representations should relate to
the proposed development and any comments of a personal nature
against an individual/group or containing offensive content
will be returned to the sender. Representations without a name
or address will not be considered.
What is a valid objection?
We can only take into account 'material planning considerations'
when considering your comments. The list below is not exhaustive,
but is designed to show the most common examples:
- Loss of light/overshadowing
- Loss of privacy/overshadowing
- Visual amenity (but not loss of private view)
- Adequacy of parking/loading/turning
- Highway safety
- Noise and disturbance resulting from use
- Hazardous materials
- Traffic generation
- Smells
- Loss of trees
- Landscaping
- Road access
- Effect on listed building and conservation area
- Design, appearance and materials
- Conflict with planning policies
- Disabled access
- Nature conservation
- Archaeology
- Previous planning decisions (including appeal decisions)
- Proposals/policies in the development plan
What cannot be considered?
We cannot take into account matters which are not planning
considerations. Again, the list below is not exhaustive but
includes:
- Loss of property value
- Private disputes between neighbours
- Loss of a view
- Impact during construction
- Restrictive covenants
- Fence lines
- Personal morals or views about the application
- Ownership disputes over rights of way
- Boundary disputes
- Applicants motives
- Loss of trade and competitors
Taking your views into account
When we receive your comments, we will place them on the website
and they will be available for public inspection. All letters of
representation will be given full consideration in the
determination of the application.
It is not possible for our officers to respond to comments raised
in individual letters. However, you can view the case officer's
report (online or at the council offices) which will set out the
relevant planning policies and detail your comments so you can
understand the basis on which the decision was made. The officers
report and the decision notice will contain any details of
conditions that have been placed on the approval or the reasons for
refusal of the application.
If the application is to be decided by the Planning Committee your
views will be included in the report for them to consider. At
committee, there is an opportunity for a limited number of parties
to address the Members. Follow this link to find out more
information about the Committee process.
Notifying you of a decision
If you have received a letter from us notifying you of receipt
of the application and you subsequently submit your comments then
we will notify you by letter of the decision. Unfortunately, we
cannot notify everyone who has an interest in the application
because of resource restrictions. Instead you can view a full list
of decisions using our
Search and View facility or the Planning Decision pages.
Only the applicant can appeal against the decision. If an appeal is
made, and you commented on the earlier application you will be
notified and invited to write to the Planning Inspectorate with
your comments. Any previous comments are passed on to the
Inspector.