Material Considerations

Noted · Received for information; no decision followed.

This document explains that Local Planning Authorities can only take into account 'material planning considerations' when looking at comments and objections to a development proposal. p1

It lists common material considerations including impact on the character of the area, design and appearance, effect on listed buildings or conservation areas, overlooking and loss of privacy, highway safety and traffic generation, flood risk, and relevant planning policies. p3

It also lists matters that are not normally planning considerations, such as who the applicant is, loss of views, loss of property value, loss of trade, and the strength or volume of local opposition. p5

The document states that the weight given to material considerations in reaching a decision is a matter of judgement for the decision taker, who is required to show that all relevant matters have been considered. p6

Show the 4 passages this is based on

• p1WHAT ARE MATERIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS? Local Planning Authori es can only take into account 'material planning considera ons' when looking at comments and objec ons to a development proposal.
• p3Impact on the character of the area Design, appearance and materials E ect on listed building, conserva on area or archaeological interest Overlooking/loss of privacy Loss of light or overshadowing Visual amenity (but not loss of private view) Disabled persons’ access Adequacy of parking/loading/turning Highway safety Tra c genera on Road access Noise and disturbance resul ng from use Hazardous materials, contaminated land Smells and fumes Hours of opera on (opening hours etc.) Incompa ble or unacceptable uses Layout and density of building Land stability Landscaping Loss of trees Nature conserva on & biodiversity issues Flood risk Local, strategic, regional and na onal planning policies, including emerging policies Government circulars, orders, and statutory instruments Previous planning decisions (including appeal decisions) Deciencies in community/social facili es i.e. spaces in schools Capacity of local infrastructure i.e. public drainage or water systems
• p5Who the applicant is/the applicant's background Loss of views Loss of property value Loss of trade or increased compe on Strength or volume of local opposi on Construc on noise/disturbance during development Fears of damage to property Maintenance of property ‘There are too many already’ Moral objec ons (amusement arcades, drinking establishments etc.)
• p6Private issues between neighbours e.g. land/boundary disputes, damage to property, private rights of way, covenants etc. Personal circumstances of the applicant (in most cases) Party wall issues Ma ers controlled under Building Regula ons or other non planning laws The weight a ached to material considera ons in reaching a decision is a ma er of judgement for the decision taker however the decision taker is required to demonstrate that in reaching a decision they have considered all relevant ma ers.