Comment on a planning application
Comment on a planning application
Search and comment on new, existing and historical planning applications in Northumberland.
Making a comment
You can make a comment to:
- support an application
- object to an application
- make a neutral comment (to raise a concern)
Online
You must register on Public Access. You will then be able to log in, find the application and submit your comments.
This is the quickest way to submit your comment. Public Access displays your comment immediately.
By post
Send your comments to:
Planning Services
Northumberland County Council
County Hall
Morpeth
NE61 2EF
For your comment to be accepted, you must include in your letter:
- full name
- home address
- the reference number of the application you’re commenting on
Do not include:
- signatures
- phone numbers
- email addresses
All comments, including your name and address will be published on the public register.
Learn more in our privacy notice (PDF).
Comment deadlines
Most applications have a 21 day consultation period.
You can find the deadline on Public Access. We will not consider comments made after the deadline.
Comments we will consider
We can only accept planning related comments:
- how the development fits with national planning policy and our local plan
- overlooking private spaces contributing to loss of privacy
- overshadowing due to building height or location
- noise or disruption including air quality, smells and general disturbance
- is the size, layout and density suitable
- if the design does not fit with the surroundings, could affect listed buildings or conservation areas
- if it could affect traffic or road safety
- concerns about flooding, contamination or impact on community safety
Some concerns cannot be addressed through the planning process, including:
- private property issues like boundary disputes, access rights, covenants or private drains
- property value or loss of view
- business competition
- matters covered by other laws such as building regulations, alcohol, food or gaming licences
- the applicant's history, conduct or motives
- rights to light (easements) are private matters, if you believe you have one, seek legal advice
Personal information
By law, all comments are public. We do not accept anonymous comments.
You are responsible for making sure the comment does not contain sensitive information such as:
- details about vulnerable individuals
- sensitive job roles
- when a property is unoccupied
- telephone numbers or signatures
Making defamatory comments could leave you open to legal action.
If you believe a comment should be removed or amended, let us know.
Email: planningcomments@northumberland.gov.uk
View planning applications on our register
Search planning applications using Public Access
What happens to your comment
We do not confirm receipt of comments. You can check the ‘public comments’ area on Public Access to see if it’s been added.
Your comments help the case officer understand the impact of the development. We consider all planning related comments, but objections do not always lead to refusal.
Planning decisions are based on local policies, not the number of comments.
We will only contact you if the application:
- changes significantly, we may ask for further comments and extend the consultation date
- goes to planning committee where we may invite you to speak
- goes to appeal after a decision meaning you may have a chance to comment again, any comments you have made will be passed to the Planning Inspector
Learn more about the process of public consultation on GOV.UK.
Tracking applications and getting updates
To track planning applications you need to first register on Public Access. Then read the Public Access user guide (PDF).
You’ll receive email updates when the application changes and when a decision is made.
Minor applications (including householder) usually take 8 weeks to decide. Major applications take 13 weeks.
Organising a petition
You can submit a petition for or against a planning application if it follows the rules.
It must include the name and full address of the lead petitioner and everyone signing. Make sure we can read these.
Let those who are signing know we will publish the petition online for public inspection. Make it clear that they should not include anything personal, sensitive or offensive.
If the application changes or goes to the Planning Committee, we will only notify the lead petitioner.
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