28/03/2026
Guidance on commenting on planning applications.
Although the decision to approve or refuse an application will be made by Swale Borough Council, the parish council is a consultee, as are local residents.
If you wish to object to an application it is best to do so on ‘material grounds’. These include things such as:
• Design/appearance and visual impact
• Layout/scale/density
• Cumulative impact (other applications in the area)
• Ecology/landscape/effect on a conservation area
• Effect on a listed building/protected tree
• Adequacy of parking
• Traffic generation
• Access (to the site)/highway safety
• Loss of privacy
• Loss of daylight
• Noise/smell/dust/pollution
• Health/health and safety
• Crime (and fear of)
• Economic impact
• Government policy
• Previous planning decisions
The following are not material grounds and are unlikely to be taken into account:
• The applicant’s identity/background/circumstances
• Ownership of the land
• Loss of private view
• Loss of property value
• Loss of trade/increased competition
• Strength or volume of local opposition
• Moral issues
• Building regulations
• Restrictive covenants
If you are thinking of suggesting conditions (things that must be adhered to if the application is approved), they must be:
• Necessary
• Relevant to planning
• Related to the development in question
• Enforceable
• Precise
• Reasonable
There is also guidance available on SBC's website:https://swale.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/415742/25.01.22-Have-your-say-on-planning-applications-SBC-final-AA.pdf
Comments can be made online (https://pa.midkent.gov.uk/online-applications/), by email to [email protected] or by post to Mid Kent Planning Support, Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone, ME15 6JQ.
