How we notify neighbours of applications
Neighbour letters
We usually publicise planning applications by notifying adjoining neighbours directly by letter. Adjoining neighbours are those whose properties have a common boundary with the application site. However, we may display site notices instead of or as well as neighbour notification when:
- the ownership of adjoining land is unknown or uncertain
- there are few immediate neighbours to the site
- the adjoining land or premises are vacant
- the extent of neighbour notification would be disproportionate to the scale of the development (for example large blocks of flats adjoining commercial or industrial areas)
- the law requires us to
In addition to notifying adjoining neighbours, we generally send neighbour notification letters to properties that are located opposite the application site including those separated by a road or footpath (although this may not always be appropriate).
We may carry out a larger neighbour notification for applications likely to generate wider interest, including proposals:
- that may affect nearby properties by causing noise, smell, vibration, dust or other nuisance
- that are likely to introduce significant change to the character of an area, for example large structures
- on a significant scale likely to attract additional crowds or traffic
What if I haven't been notified?
If we haven't notified you of an application this doesn't mean that you can't make your views known. If you want to comment, regardless of whether or not we wrote to you about the application, please do so.