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Sending comments

The local planning authority (LPA) will send The Planning Inspectorate copies of any letters of support or objection which it received about the planning application while considering it.

If you want to make comments (or add to those already made) you must make sure that you send them to The Planning Inspectorate within the time limit given in your letter from the LPA telling you about the appeal. This is within six weeks of the date that The Planning Inspectorate accept the appeal (they call this 'the starting date'). They will not normally accept comments sent late. Instead they will return them to you. This means that the Inspector will not take them into account.

If possible, please send The Planning Inspectorate three copies of your letter. They will not acknowledge your letter unless you ask them to. If you would like a copy of the appeal decision you must ask for one in your letter.

The Planning Inspectorate will send copies of your letter to the appellant, the LPA and the Inspector. If they consider your letter contains racist or abusive comments, they will send it back to you before the Inspector or anyone else sees it. If you take out the racist or abusive comments, you can send your letter back to them. But, you must send it back before the time limit ends.

The Planning Inspectorate recommend that you use the following layout when sending your comments about an appeal. If you are able to get your comments typed, this will help the Inspector.

  1. Your name and address.
  2. The Planning Inspectorate appeal reference number (this will start APP/...).
  3. The address of the appeal site.
  4. 'I am against the appeal proposals' or 'I support the appeal proposals'
  5. Your comments.
    If you are against, say whether it is for the same reasons as given by the LPA or, if not, explain your own reasons.
    Or, say why you support the appeal proposals.
  6. Say if you would like us to send you a copy of the decision notice.

In Wales, some of the rules are different. Please refer to the Planning Inspectorate's booklet A guide to taking part in planning appeals (Wales)