When reviewing plnning application it is useful to bear in mind that there are two different categories of comments. These are known as ‘material’ and ‘non-material’ factors. The planning department may not take into consideration non-material factors when reviewing objections.
Material factors
- Layout and density of buildings
- Design, Appearance and Materials
- Overlooking/loss of privacy
- Loss of light or over-shadowing
- Ecology, Nature Conservation, Landscape
- Noise, Smell, Pollution
- Parking, Highways, Traffic
- Effect on Listed Building or Conservation Area
- Planning history/related planning decisions (including appeal decisions)
- Financial considerations and viability
- Planning Policy and Planning Practice Guidance
- Capacity of physical infrastructure
- New Homes Bonus – a benefit available to local communities
- Disabled Persons Access
Non-material Factors
- Negative effect on the value of a property
- Business competition
- Land ownership or restrictive covenants
- Large financial gain for developers
- Moral objections
- Loss of private view
- Retrospective application – works already done
- Track record of applicant/developer
- Change from previous scheme
- Matters covered by other legislation e.g Building Regulations, Environmental Health
- Level of local support or opposition
- Applicants personal circumstances
- Problems arising from the construction period
