The Civic Society

for Gravesend and Northfleet

Have Your Say - The Planning Process



This section explains how to make your views known about a development in your area and how to influence the Council.


Planning applications - how do I get to know about proposed developments in my area?

When a planning application is made a notification should be sent to properties that could be directly effected by these (we have seen this does not always happen). In addition the Council will fix a 'Notice' on the property or a convenient place nearby. This will display details of the application together with the date by which any objections have to be received by the planning office.In addition adverts are also placed in the local papers and a weekly list of applications is available on the Council' website. There also exist a couple of services (see links below) that allow you to register and receive applictions in your area automatically.


How do I object to what is proposed?

You must write to the Planning Department. Always include the phrase 'I object'. However, you should bear in mind that you can only object on planning grounds- such as over-intensive development, lack of privacy for neighbours, lack of parking, and development not in keeping with the character of the area - for example. Objections about the applicants or other private matters will not be considered.


What happens next?

Planning officers are required to consider all objections. If very few are received the officers are free to make the decision about whether to pass or refuse a planning application. In making this decision they must take into consideration the Council's own local planning policies (Local Plan) and also planning policy statements and guidance notes issued by the Government (PPS's and PPG's).

If a councillor makes a formal request or the application is a council led scheme the planning officers will write a detailed report for consideration by a group of Councillors called the The Regulatory Board. The Regulatory Board usually meets once a month - you can ring the Planning Department to find out when a particular application is due to be considered. Alternatively you can view the web site. The web site will also allow you to view the agenda for upcoming meetings and see what recommendation the planning office has made. Read this carefully, ensure all your objections are listed and all information is correct.


What can I do if I don't agree with the planning officer's report?

If you do not agree with the report, report it to your local councillor and also directly to Regulatory Board members. In the past we were able to get the application rejected even though planning officers recommended that it be approved.


What happen's at the Regulatory Board meetings?

At present the Council does not allow applicants or objectors to speak at meetings. You are however, allowed to observe the meetings - sometimes Councillors debate matters very thoroughly, at other times applications are passed or refused with hardly any discussion.


What can I do if the Regulatory Board passes a planning application which I have objected to?

There is very little you can do to overturn the decision. If you believe that the Council has made an illegal decision (i.e. one that does not comply with planning law) you can apply to the High Court for a 'judicial review'. This could lead to the decision being overturned. However this is a complicated and expensive process. If the development will directly affect your way of life (i.e. by blocking out all light or dominating your outlook), you can complain to The Local Government Ombudsman who may award you compensation.


What happens if the Regulatory Board or a Planning Officer turns down a planning applicaton?

The applicant can appeal and can have his application considered by a government department know as the The Planning Inspectorate. Should this happen and you objected earlier, you will be notified. You can write letters of objection to this authority as well.



Useful resources


The Planning Portal - the government's online service for planning.
The National Planning Application Register
Gravesham Council's Online Planning Search
The Regulatory Board
How to make a Complaint to the council
Local Plan/Local Development Framework
The Local Government Ombudsman - Investigate complaints about most council matters including housing, planning, education and social services.