When you make a comment on a planning application we can only take notice of issues that are valid to land use issues. These are called “material considerations”. Below are two lists, which are not exhaustive but give common examples, of what constitutes a material and a non material consideration.

Material Considerations

•  Previous planning decisions (including appeal decisions)
•  Proposals/policies in the development plan
•  National guidance
•  Loss of light/overshadowing
•  Loss of privacy to a room through distance  
•  Visual amenity
•  Adequacy of parking/loading/turning
•  Highway safety, road layout/access
•  Noise and disturbance resulting from use
•  Hazardous materials
•  Traffic generation
•  Odours  
•  Loss of trees/green space
•  Landscaping
•  Impact upon a listed building or a conservation area
•  Design, appearance and materials
•  Disabled access
•  Nature conservation
•  Archaeology

Non-Material Considerations

• Loss in property value
• Loss of a private view
• Private disputes between neighbours e.g. land ownership
• Restrictive covenants
• Fence lines/boundary positions
• Personal morals or views about the application
• Ownership disputes
• Applicant’s motives
• Competition
• Issues covered by other legislation e.g. Highways Act