All,

I’ve had a look at the objections to the Hornsby Close development posted on the Stratford District Council website. Many of the reasons given for objection to the development will not be taken into consideration by planning officers (or the planning committee) because they are not ‘material considerations.’

I’ve done a quick google search (although I’ve sat on planning committee I’m NOT an expert) and there is a useful list of real grounds on the Government’s planning portal website which I reproduce here:

“Overlooking/loss of privacy
Loss of light or overshadowing
Parking
Highway safety
Traffic
Noise
Effect on listed building and conservation area
Layout and density of building
Design, appearance and materials
Government policy
Disabled persons’ access
Proposals in the Development Plan
Previous planning decisions (including appeal decisions)
Nature conservation”

However, issues such as loss of view, or negative effect on the value of properties are not material considerations.

Unfortunately it gets a bit more complex because the District Council has a Local Plan and because of the Government’s new National Planning Policy Framework – which if you have a serious objection not included above its worth having a look at.

Put simply – if you’re complaining about property values or just the view from your house your objection may not carry that much weight – its best to find a reason from the list above. You can always speak to your local District Councillor, Richard Cheney or Jonathan Gullis, to get more detailed advice – they will be happy to help.

As an example, many of the arguments used in current objections were used in the objection to the development next to River Way – and the objectors lost.

I hope this helps and remember – I am not an expert, get some better qualified advice if you need it! One other thing – I haven’t made my mind up whether to support or oppose this on the Town Council yet.

Philip