You can view plans and documents by:
- following the Public Access link on this page. This online method also enables you to track the progress of the application, and to view the decision notice.
- visiting one of our area offices. To find out the relevant area office and opening times, call 0345 678 9004.
- contacting the case officer for assistance by calling 0345 678 9004. The case officer will also be able to provide assistance in helping you to understand the plans.
Commenting on an application
Anyone is entitled to comment on a planning application whether or not they receive a letter.
There is a limited amount of time in which you can make comments. The statutory time given to neighbours to comment on an application is 21 days. It is very important to meet any deadline, or your comments may not be taken into account.
Online representation
We encourage you to send us your comments online.
Responses will be provided with an electronic notification, updates and will be informed of the planning decision within one working day of the decision notice being issued.
Written representations
Written representations should be forwarded to the relevant area office. Please view the attachment for area office contact information.
Written representations will not be acknowledged.
To find the outcome of an application you will need to view the application online by following the Public Access link on this page or call 0345 678 9004 to find out the outcome of the application.
How will my comments be used?
Representations will be kept on public files and may be included within written committee reports or read at public meetings of the committee. In addition, please be aware that any representations submitted will be published online. However, in accordance with the Data Protection Act, signatures, telephone numbers and emails will be removed.
What is relevant to the consideration of an application (material considerations)
To make your views count you should clearly set out your concerns in writing or by email, relating them to matters relevant to a planning decision.
When commenting on an application you should be aware that the following areas are not considerations:
- Planning is about the use of land
- The identity of the occupier is usually irrelevant
- A personal interest or a civil dispute
- Private rights of way are in the control of the person holding the rights
- Sometimes planning permission is granted for a proposal that is the subject of a restrictive covenant or control by a third party. As with civil disputes and private rights of way, the Local Planning Authority is not able to assume that the matter is incapable of resolution
- Nobody has a right to a view from their property. The Local Planning Authority cannot control the effects of new development on the outlook from existing property except in the general case of residential amenity
- The cost of a development is not a material consideration, and the Local Planning Authority has no jurisdiction to protect developers from expensive projects
- Generally speaking, personal circumstances are not a material planning consideration
- Impact on the valuation of property
For further information on material considerations, follow the Planning Portal link on this page or view the attached practice note ‘material planning considerations’.
What happens after a decision is made?
There are three outcomes to an application:
- Grant permission without conditions
- Grant permission with conditions
- Refuse permission
A full planning permission lasts for three years, whereas an outline application lasts for three years but the last of the reserved matters has to be submitted no later than three years from the date of the outline permission, and the development must commence within two years of the approval of last reserved matter.
The applicant may be required to submit additional information before development can start, for example a landscaping scheme or samples of materials that are intended to be used. Such conditions are referred to as ‘pre-commencement conditions’.
If the application has been refused, the applicant can appeal against the decision to the secretary of state within six months of the refusal. If an appeal is lodged you will be notified, but only if you made a written representation to the application. There is no third party right of appeal. If your neighbour is granted planning permission, you cannot appeal against the decision. The Planning Portal provides full information on the appeal process, and can be viewed by following the link on this page.
A Charter for Development Management has been produced by Shropshire Council to explain the standards of service and performance that you can expect. A copy of the charter is attached to this page.