Details of current and historic planning applications can be viewed using our Public Access system (our online planning register).
Comment on a planning application >
Application comments will be loaded to the web where they include a name and full address. Names & addresses will be published but, in accordance with the Data Protection Act, sensitive information such as telephone numbers & email addresses will be redacted/removed.
Comments can be made online, by email or in writing. You can monitor applications of interest to you by registering and selecting the tracking option on our Public Access system.
There is a limited amount of time in which you can make comments. The statutory time given to neighbours to comment on an application is 21 days. It is very important to meet any deadline, or your comments may not be taken into account.
Please note that due to the volume of comments received, it will not be possible to acknowledge your comments unless they are made through our Public Access system, where an automatic email acknowledgement is sent on submission.
Comments are kept on electronic public files and may be included within written committee reports or read at public meetings of the committee. In addition, please be aware that any representations submitted will be published online. However, in accordance with the Data Protection Act, signatures, telephone numbers and email addresses will be removed.
You will need to register your details on our Public Access system and select the track application option. This will allow you to receive e-mail notification of a change in status of the application, for example the issue of a decision.
If you are experiencing problems viewing the application files or require any further assistance, please contact planning.services@scarborough.gov.uk with details.
Comments must relate to planning matters, by law we can only take into account the planning issues and cannot allow ourselves to be influenced by other considerations unless they are relevant to planning (material planning considerations). These include loss of privacy, intensity of development, design and appearance, impact on community facilities, highway matters e.g. traffic and parking. The Planning Portal has further information on what constitutes a material planning consideration. When commenting on an application you should be aware that the following areas are not considerations:
- Nobody has a right to a view from their property. We cannot control the effects of new development on the outlook from existing property except in the general case of residential amenity
- Impact on the valuation of property
- The cost of a development is not a material consideration, and we have no jurisdiction to protect developers from expensive projects. Loss of trade or increased competition
- A personal interest or a civil dispute
- Generally speaking, personal circumstances are not a material planning consideration.
Planning decisions are delegated for approval unless they raise issues which are significant or contentious. There are a series of triggers for referral set out in Part 8 of the Council's Constitution. Further information can be found in our Scheme of Delegation.
Try to view the submitted plans and forms before you write to the Case Officer, to ensure you understand the development under consideration. The Council can only take certain issues into account when considering an application. You should concentrate on these issues when commenting on an application.
Issues that can be considered include:
- Whether a proposed use is suitable for the area
- Whether the appearance and size of a new building/structure is in keeping with its neighbours and the surrounding area
- Whether external alterations to an existing building are in character
- Whether adjoining residents will suffer any overshadowing, overlooking or loss of privacy
- Whether there will be any increase in noise and disturbance, for example from the comings and goings of extra traffic
- Whether new public buildings have satisfactory access for the disabled
- Whether there is adequate parking or the development would be dangerous for road users and pedestrians
- Whether a public footpath is affected
- Whether there is any visual effect upon the landscape, i.e. loss of trees and hedgerows
- Whether the proposal conflicts with this Council’s planning policies.
Issues that cannot be considered include:
- Loss of view
- Loss of property value
- Boundary or other disputes between neighbours, e.g. private rights of way, covenants
- Loss of trade from competing business
- The alleged character, behavior, personal circumstances, attributes, beliefs, views or affiliations of an applicant
- Moral objections
- The belief that an applicant intends to profit from a development
- Other consents/licences that may be required.
Other application types have different issues to consider:
Listed Buildings
The only factors that can be considered are:
- The impact of the proposal on the character or appearance of the Listed Building
- The impact of the proposal on the historic fabric of the building
- The impact of the proposal on the setting of the Listed Building.
They do not include:
- All other normal planning considerations e.g. traffic issues or impact on residential amenities (Listed Building applications are often considered at the same time as a planning application, if required and the planning issues would be considered then.)
Adverts
These include:
- Whether a proposed advertisement is too large or unsightly
- Whether the proposal conflicts with this Council’s policies for advertisements
- Whether any illumination will unduly affect residential amenity
- Whether the location of any advertisement will have a detrimental impact on highway safety.
Conservation Area Consent
The only factors that can be considered are:
- The impact of a proposal on the character or appearance of the Conservation Area
- The historical/archaeological importance of the subject building/structure.
Certificate of Lawful Use
The only factors that can be considered are:
- Factual information about the length of time a building/structure/use has been constructed or taken place
- Any other evidence to support/refute the claims being made in the application.
They do not include:
- The Planning merits of any particular application or Planning policies
- Other consents/licenses that may be required.
Modification or Removal of Conditions
- Specific issues relevant to the original reasons for imposing the Planning Obligation e.g. Highways issues
- Agricultural justification for development
- Any changes in circumstances since the Planning Obligation was originally completed.
They do not include:
- General or new planning considerations that are not relevant to the original reasons for imposing the Planning Obligation in question.