Speaking about Planning Applications at Committee

The Council has a public participation scheme, which allows members of the public to speak at the Planning and Highways Committee on some planning applications.

The information below explains when you can speak and what will happen at the meeting.

When is public speaking permitted?

Speaking is only permitted when the application generates:

Ten or more written objections from separate households or businesses* have been received at least 10 working days prior to the date of the Committee meeting, or
A petition signed by more than 50 signatories, including addresses, has been received at least 10 working days prior to the date of the Committee meeting.

*Individual letters are acceptable provided they come from separate addresses and are signed. Representations from Statutory Bodies do not count in the objections triggering public speaking.

What will happen at the Committee?

The Committee will normally consider applications in the order in which they appear on the agenda.

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What is the order of speaking?

A planning officer introduces the application, outlining the scheme and reporting any late information that has been received.
The Chairman will then invite the registered objector to speak for 3 minutes to outline his/her views. This time limit will be strictly enforced.
The objector will not be allowed to ask questions of Councillors, officers or others.
Members of the Committee may then ask for clarification of any points raised.
If an objector has spoken, the Chairman will invite the applicant or their representative to speak if they have previously indicated their wish to do so.
The time limit of 3 minutes applies and no questions may be asked of Councillors, officers or others.
The Members of the Committee may ask through the Chairman for clarification of any points raised.
The planning officer may comment on any points raised before the Committee proceeds with its deliberations.

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What will I be able to speak about?

Time is limited so comments to the Committee should be restricted to matters covered by planning legislation.

Examples include:

Drawing upon information from national planning guidance and Development Plan Policies
The Environmental Impact
Highway safety and transportation matters
Design, appearance and layout concerns
Impact on the character of an area

The Committee is not permitted to take into account nonplanning matters. Examples include:

Matters covered by other laws, such as licensing or construction techniques
Private property rights such as covenants
The developer’s identity, morals, motives or past planning contraventions
Effect on the value of property
The fact that development has already started
Trade objections based on competition
Loss of a particular view
Inconvenience or other problems caused by building works

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How do I arrange to speak at the meeting?

To speak at the Committee you must register with the Council by 12 noon at least 3 working days before the day of the meeting (i.e. 12 noon on the preceding Monday for a Thursday meeting).

Speakers are registered on a “first- come” basis and unless the first speaker gives up that right, no other person may speak against the item.

The register is kept at Time Square and the speaking rights are given to the first name entered.

To register, you must contact the office at the address/telephone number on the back of this leaflet during normal office hours. The officers will not knowingly pass your details onto the media. You must give your name, address, daytime contact number, planning application number, and address of the proposed development to which you refer.

You must agree that the Council can provide your contact details to any subsequent objector wishing to speak in order for all objections to be covered. If the right to speak has already been given, you will be provided with details so that you can liaise with them. If the arrangements are to change, this is a matter for objectors to resolve and inform the Council accordingly, prior to the meeting.

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What do I do on the evening?

If registered to speak, you must arrive in the Council Chamber by 7.15pm on the day of the Committee. The Democratic Services Officer will be present at the Committee meeting.

You must report to him/her when you arrive. If you fail to do this, you may not be permitted to speak.

When the Committee reaches your item, the Chairman will call you to speak.

You may use the PA system in the Chamber. No other facilities will be provided by the Council. All other documentation must have been submitted as part of the normal consultation.

NB: The application will not be deferred if the registered objector, applicant or agent does not attend the Committee meeting.

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What happens after the decision is made?

If an application is refused, the applicant may appeal against the decision to the Planning Inspectorate. Objectors will be advised of any such appeal.

Where is the meeting?

The Planning & Highways Committee meets monthly, usually on a Thursday at 7.30pm in the Council Chamber at Easthampstead House.

View information about the Planning and Highways Committee.

Car parking is usually available at Easthampstead House

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Applicants/Agents

Applicants (or appointed agents) will be notified by planning staff if there is to be a speaker against the proposal.

Applicants (or appointed agents) contact the Customer Services Officer on the number given below to advise their intention to speak in response, by 12 noon on the day before the meeting.

The applicant or agent will only be offered the opportunity to speak if an objector has addressed the Committee. If no objector speaks, the applicant may not do so.

Further Information

For further information, or to register for public speaking, please contact:

Customer Services
Environment, Culture and Communities
Bracknell Forest Council
Time Square
Market Street
Bracknell
RG12 1JD

Tel: 01344 352000

Email: customer.services@bracknell-forest.gov.uk

NB: Our busy hours are between 9:30am and 11:30am.