How Do I Object to Planning Permission?

Learn how to object to planning permission in the UK including valid and invalid reasons for objections and who you need to speak to when raising a concern.

If you’ve seen a planning application in your area that concerns you, you have the legal right to object to it. Objections can be made during the consultation period, usually within 21 days of the application being publicised. This is your chance to raise concerns with your local planning authority before a decision is made.

You can object online via your local council’s planning portal, by email, or by post. Your objection should clearly state why you believe the development should not go ahead and must be based on material planning considerations—these are the valid points a council is allowed to consider by law.

Who Do I Make the Objection To?

Your objection must be submitted to the local planning authority (LPA)—usually your district, borough or city council’s planning department. If the application was submitted via the Planning Portal, it will be forwarded to the correct local authority.

You’ll need to reference the planning application number, which can be found on public notices or the council’s website. Make sure your objection is submitted before the consultation deadline, or it may not be considered.

What Are Valid Reasons for a Planning Permission Objection?

Only material planning considerations can be taken into account. These include:

  • Loss of light or overshadowing

  • Loss of privacy or overlooking

  • Noise or disturbance

  • Traffic or highway safety concerns

  • Overdevelopment or layout issues

  • Impact on local services or infrastructure

  • Harm to a conservation area or listed building

  • Poor design or visual appearance

  • Environmental impact (e.g. drainage, trees, wildlife)

Simply put, your objection must relate to the use of the land or the design and impact of the proposed development—not personal feelings or private interests.

Negative Effects of Plans on Neighbours and the Community

Many planning objections are based on how a proposal could negatively affect nearby residents or the wider neighbourhood. Common concerns include:

  • Blocking natural light into gardens or homes

  • Creating intrusive views or overlooking bedrooms

  • Increasing traffic on already busy roads

  • Adding pressure to schools, GP surgeries or parking spaces

  • Noise from commercial premises or late-night activities

  • Loss of green space or community facilities

These are all legitimate issues to raise—especially if you can show the plans will clearly affect quality of life or harm the character of the area.

Design Objections

Design is a key part of planning policy. You can object if the design is out of keeping with the area, poorly thought out, or likely to harm the local street scene. Councils aim to maintain a level of consistency and visual harmony in built-up areas, particularly in conservation zones.

If a proposed development includes:

  • Inappropriate materials or colours

  • Excessive height or bulk

  • A modern design that clashes with traditional surroundings

  • A lack of consideration for accessibility or layout

...you can raise this in your objection. Include specific reasons why the design is inappropriate and refer to local planning policies if possible.

What Issues Are Not Considered Valid Planning Application Objections?

Some objections, while understandable, cannot legally be taken into account during the planning process. These include:

  • Loss of view

  • Decrease in property value

  • Personal disputes with the applicant

  • Commercial competition (e.g. “a new shop will hurt my business”)

  • Speculative comments (e.g. “they might rent it out to noisy people”)

  • Construction noise or disruption during the build (though temporary, it’s not a planning matter)

These issues fall outside the scope of planning law and will be ignored by the planning officer.

Who Should You Speak To?

If you’re concerned about a planning application, it’s a good idea to speak directly to the planning officer handling the case. Their contact details will often be available on the council’s website. You might also consider:

  • Speaking to your local councillor – They can represent your concerns at committee meetings.

  • Contacting neighbours – A joint objection or petition can carry more weight.

  • Community or residents' groups – They may already be involved in responding to local developments.

If the case goes to a planning committee, you may be able to speak at the meeting—but you’ll usually need to register in advance.

Can I See the Plans Before Objecting?

Yes—planning applications are public records, and full details (including drawings, plans and supporting documents) are available to view on your local council’s website. Search using the application reference number or the site address. Reviewing the plans in detail helps you make a well-informed objection based on actual proposals rather than assumptions.

Does My Objection Make a Difference?

It absolutely can—but it depends on what you say and how many others raise similar concerns. A single, well-reasoned objection based on material planning issues can carry more weight than a dozen vague or invalid ones.

That said, the council is legally required to assess each application against planning policy, not just popular opinion. If your objection highlights a breach of planning guidelines, it’s more likely to be taken seriously.

Can I Object Anonymously?

No—you must include your name and address when submitting an objection, as this is part of the public consultation process. Your comments will be made public, including your name, but your personal contact details (email, phone number) are usually not published.

If you have serious concerns about privacy, contact your council’s planning department for guidance before submitting your objection.

Can I Appeal If the Application Is Approved?

Unfortunately, only the applicant has a right to appeal a planning decision—not neighbours or objectors. If the council approves the application despite objections, your only recourse is to ask for a judicial review—but this is a complex and costly legal route, and can only be pursued if the decision-making process was flawed or unlawful.

However, if conditions are attached to the planning approval, you can monitor whether the developer complies. If not, you can report breaches to the council’s planning enforcement team.

Can I Object to an Application That Has Already Been Approved?

Once an application is approved, it cannot be reversed unless it’s challenged via legal means (e.g. a judicial review). That’s why it’s so important to keep an eye on new applications in your area and respond promptly during the public consultation window—which is usually 21 days from the notice being posted or neighbours being notified.

Tips for Writing a Strong Objection Letter

  1. Stick to planning issues – Refer to local planning policy or the national planning framework where possible.

  2. Be clear and concise – Use headings or short paragraphs to break up your points.

  3. Avoid emotional language – Stay calm, respectful and factual.

  4. Use photos or maps if needed – These can help illustrate your concerns.

  5. Reference similar decisions – If similar applications were refused nearby, mention them.