Comment on a planning application

Anyone can make a comment on a planning application. You can also comment on applications for listed building consent, conservation area consent, hazardous substances consent and certain other types of application.

The deadline for submission of comments is usually 21 days from date of notification.

Comments made on applications will be sent to the case officer and you will receive an acknowledgement.

As of 9 September 2024, public comments are not published on the council’s website.

Comments must relate to material considerations such as:

• the development plan - Local Development Plan and National Planning Framework 4
• design and visual appearance
• impacts on surroundings
• environmental impact
• planning and economic considerations
• overlooking/loss of privacy
• overshadowing/loss of light
• noise impacts
• traffic impacts

PAS (Planning Aid Scotland) is an independent charity which offers free, impartial and confidential planning advice, provided by staff and volunteers all of whom are chartered planners.

Comments relating to the following are examples of what cannot be taken into account:

• personal interests
• ownership
• loss of property value
• obstruction of views
• the potential for disruption during construction

Our Online Planning Information System (OPIS), allows you to:

• view the full application, drawings, and plans
• make a comment on a planning application
• receive email notifications about the application you have commented on

Use the search facility to find the application you wish to comment on. Click the 'make a comment' button on the planning application summary page.

The preferred method for making comments is to use our website, if you are able to do so. Otherwise, send comments by post to the address below and quote the application reference number:

Planning Services, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE

Provide your name and full postal address for acknowledgement by post.

Note that:

• if you make comments online, you will be sent an automatic acknowledgment to your email address
• if you send your comments by post, you will be sent an acknowledgement letter to your postal address
• your comments will be sent directly to the planning officer who is dealing with the application for their consideration
• your application comments should not be emailed to us

Comments are taken into account during the decision making process. In most cases, decisions are taken under delegated authority by planning officers. Major applications, and other applications which have been called-in, are determined by the Council’s Planning Committee. The comments we receive will be summarised in a report of handling or in a committee report. These reports will be published on our website. Personal information will not be included in any reports we publish.

Anyone who submits a comment will be informed of the planning decision which the council makes.