How to Object to a Planning Application

Step-by-step guidance on how to find an application, understand the process, and submit an effective objection before the deadline.

Valid reasons for objecting to a planning application

Explains what counts as a legitimate planning objection — such as harm to amenity, traffic impact, privacy issues, or policy conflicts.

Planning objection letter sample

A professionally written example showing how to structure your objection, including commentary on what makes it persuasive.

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Planning Objection Letter

Common errors that weaken your case, including emotional arguments, poor timing, or irrelevant points — and how to avoid them.

Planning Objections and The Planning Process 

Clarifies how decisions are made, what stages applications go through, and where public objections can influence the outcome.

Planning Objections – Role of Local Councillors

How local ward councillors can get involved, call applications to committee, and represent resident concerns in the process.

Planning Objections – Planning Committees

When and how applications are determined by elected members, and how written objections or public speaking can influence the result.

Planning objection letter template

A structured, editable framework to help you draft a clear and policy-focused planning objection.

Planning Objections – Precedents and Case Law

Explores when previous decisions or appeal outcomes can support your objection, and how to refer to them appropriately.

Planning Objections – Follow up!

What to do after submitting your objection — including how to track the decision, respond to amendments, or escalate if needed.

Planning Objections – Property values

Planning Objections – Amenity

Covers loss of enjoyment of your home or garden, including visual harm, noise, and reduced quality of life caused by inappropriate development.

Planning Objections – Noise Concerns

Focuses on objections where increased noise levels may disrupt day-to-day living, especially during unsociable hours or from intensified land use.

Planning Objections – Loss of Light and Overbearing Impact 

Applies when a new development creates a dominating presence or reduces daylight to neighbouring windows or gardens to an unacceptable level.

Planning Objections – Loss of Privacy

Relevant when new windows, balconies, or raised areas cause overlooking into private spaces such as gardens, patios, or main living rooms.

Planning Objections – Overshadowing

Concerns excessive shadow cast by large buildings, especially on gardens, outdoor seating areas, or windows, reducing light for long periods.

Planning Objections – Traffic and Parking

Used when a proposal may worsen local parking pressures or create unsafe conditions for drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists.

Planning Objections – Planning Committees

When and how applications are determined by elected members, and how written objections or public speaking can influence the result.

Planning Objections – Overdevelopment

Covers schemes that are too dense or out of scale for the site, leading to cramped layouts, reduced amenity, or lack of usable outdoor space.

Planning Objections – HMOs

Addresses the impact of Houses in Multiple Occupation on noise, refuse, parking, and overall neighbourhood character.

Planning Objections – Impact on Local Businesses

Used where the proposed development could harm footfall, visibility, access, or the operating conditions of nearby shops or services.

Planning Objections – Green Belt

Relevant when development would harm the openness or character of designated Green Belt land, often contrary to national and local policies.

Planning Objections – Property values