The points below highlight some of the more common grounds on which objections may be raised. They are not exhaustive, nor should they be regarded as a checklist to follow word-for-word. Simply reproducing these examples in your objection is unlikely to strengthen your case; what matters is tailoring your comments to the specific proposal and supporting them with clear evidence, linking back to the relevant planning policy documents.

Negative effects on residential amenity (neighbours and community) – particularly due to: 

• Character
• Noise
• Disturbance
• Overlooking & loss of privacy
• Nuisance 
• Overshadowing / loss of daylight
• Loss of parking

(All of the above should be accompanied by detailed evidence where at all possible – planning officers take a very dim view of speculation and hearsay and  simply listing these facts with little supporting detail won’t make a difference)

In addition the following issues are potential reasons for objecting to planning applications:

• Over-development or overcrowding of the site – particularly where out of character in the area.
• Negative / adverse visual impact of the development – particularly on the landscape and or historic assets
• Detrimental effect of proposed development on the character of the local area
• In Conservation Areas – adverse effect of the development on the character and appearance of the Conservation Area or heritage assets within it.
• Effect of the development on the setting of a Listed Building
• Highway safety – only if supported with detailed and technical evidenceDesign issues – including
• Bulk / massing
• Detailing and materials
• Local design guidance / policy ignored
• Overbearing / out-of-scale or out of character in terms of appearance 

The following items below will not be taken into account by planning authorities and are not valid reasons for objection:

• The applicant’s personal circumstances or other private matters
• The applicants ethnic origin, religious beliefs, their sexual orientation, political or other affiliations.
• Boundary disputes or other unresolved civil disputes (unless their cause / content is specifically related to the planning proposal) 
• The reason that the applicant is applying for planning permission (e.g. if the applicant has fallen on hard times and will sell the site to the highest bidder to make money) 
• Any profit likely to be made (except perhaps in the case of rural exception sites).
• The attitude or behaviour of the applicant or their representatives
• Matters relating to past infractions, such as previous nuisances caused by the applicant or site occupiers.  (Except perhaps in retrospective cases) 
• Worries or hearsay about possible future expansion or alternative uses of the application site – unless future plans are included in the application documentation.
• Effect on the value of properties in the area – particularly you own!

A frequently cited objection relates to the disruption that construction work itself might cause—such as dust, noise, or additional traffic during the build. While these concerns are understandable, they do not constitute material planning considerations and are therefore unlikely to influence the outcome of the decision.

You can read more about each topic above on our page – valid reasons for objecting to a planning application.

If you are uncertain about how to frame your concerns, or believe there are substantial grounds for objection, professional guidance can make a real difference. Expert input ensures that the key issues are presented with clarity, supported by evidence, and delivered in a way that carries the greatest possible weight in the planning process.