Objecting to planning applications

In writing a letter of objection to a planning application, the biggest mistake can be making your letter too personal. The temptation is totally understandable when you feel so outraged and fearful about the proposal. But you only weaken your case if you include points that bear no relevance to the planning guidelines that planners will weigh the proposal against.

Outline letter of objection

This sample letter of objection has been drafted to help you. To use this sample, simply highlight the text and copy to a word document or e-mail.

You can copy and paste the text below into a letter, but please remember to personalise it.

Remember that more than one person in your home can send a letter of objection but just don’t send the same letter.

You can email your objection to the Development Management team planning.control@telford.gov.uk and it is suggested that you request a ‘read receipt’.

You can print off your letter and post it to:

Development Management Team
Andrew Gittins, Principal Planning Officer
PO Box 457
Wellington Civic Offices
Telford
TF2 2FH

Your name
Your address
Your postcode

DATE

Development Management Team
Andrew Gittins, Principal Planning Officer
Telford & Wrekin Council
PO Box 457
Wellington Civic Offices
Telford
TF2 2FH

For the attention of the Development Management Team

Dear Mr Gittins

Reference Application number(s): TWC/2021/0722 and TWC/2021/0724

I write in connection with the above planning applications. I have examined the plans and I know the site well. I wish to object strongly to these developments in this location for the following reasons:

(Insert all the reasons in here why you feel this development shouldn’t go ahead – remember to use our list. Points 1 to 7 are the most important in terms of planning applications)

I also support the Gower Heritage & Enterprise Foundation’s representation on these planning application as I share its concerns.

Yours faithfully

Your name

Potential reasons to object in order of relevance and importance

Here is the list of reasons but if you want to pick those that carry the most weight, use points 1 – 7 as a priority. Remember that you can add anything else you feel strongly about.

Highway safety – junctions nearby that are dangerous
Traffic generation from the development itself
Loss of accessible informal green space and open land
Pressure on local schools
Health provision
Drainage issues – Have you experienced drainage or flooding issues? Are you concerned that more houses may cause further issues.
Layout and density of building
Road access – concerns about access for emergency vehicles
Concern that Telford & Wrekin planning authority can grant consent to applications submitted by their own, wholly owned, housing provider, NuPlace Ltd.
Obstructions of driveways
Disabled persons’ access – ongoing issues with cars parking on pavements causing hazards to children, pushchairs, wheelchairs and people with impaired vision.
Noise and disturbance resulting from use
Effect on listed building and conservation area
Design, appearance and materials – are the proposed homes built from materials that are sympathetic to the local landscape and area and other houses in the area.

You can’t list the following as they won’t be taken into account:

The perceived loss of property value
Private disputes between neighbours
The loss of a view
Ownership disputes over rights of way
Fence lines etc.
Personal morals or views about the applicant.

GHEF: Reasons why we object to the Council’s plan

News Release: MP backs residents against council plan for The Gower

News Release: Residents REJECT Council plan for The Gower Telford

TWC/2021/0722

TWC/2021/0724

You may recall . . .

. . . that the building was originally built as a hospital by the Lilleshall Company who realised that a facility like this was needed for the wellbeing of its employees. However, things change and a smaller Cottage Hospital was built just a hundred yards away on Albion Street which provided local health care for some years. The Gower building was purchased from the Lilleshall Company to become a school known as Wrockwardine Wood Junior School. It provided education and learning to local children until it closed in 1961. The building continued to serve young people in St Georges and neighbouring districts when it was utilised as a Youth Centre and local venue, much loved throughout the community.