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Wildflower meadow housing estate

Kieron Huston

How to respond to a planning application in Essex

Essex Wildlife Trust cannot respond to every local planning application, so this guide is here to help you take action as an individual. 

Responding to a planning application

Follow these steps to comment on a planning application:

  1. Find the application on your council’s online planning portal
  2. Check the consultation deadline so you know when to respond by
  3. Read the key documents and plans
  4. Identify the impacts on nature
  5. Write your response clearly
  6. Submit your comments through the council’s website portal or by the method they request
Brownfield site orchids

Terry Whittaker/2020VISION

Hedgehog at night in garden

Nick Upton

Essex saltmarsh with town lights

Terry Whittaker/2020VISION

Tips for writing an effective response

A good planning response is clear, relevant and evidence-based. You do not need to write a long letter, it helps to focus on the points most likely to influence the decision.

Include the basics

  • The planning application reference number (it will look something like 26/00468/FUL)
  • The site address
  • Whether you are objecting, supporting, or commenting
  • Your main concerns or reasons

Focus on relevant planning issues

Try to explain how the proposal could affect:

  • Habitats and wildlife
  • Biodiversity and ecological networks
  • Public access to green space
  • The local character of the area, where relevant

Use evidence where possible

Your response will be stronger if you can refer to:

  • Information in the application documents
  • Local knowledge of the site
  • Photographs
  • Past planning decisions
  • Relevant local or national planning policies, including the Local Plan and National Planning Policy Framework

Keep your comments clear and respectful

Be concise, specific and polite. Planning officers and councillors need clear information they can consider as part of the decision-making process.

Suggest improvements if appropriate

If the application could be changed to reduce harm to nature, say so. For example, you might suggest better habitat protection, stronger mitigation measures or changes to the site layout.

Encourage others to respond

Individual responses in people’s own words can be more powerful than copied template letters. If others share your concerns, encourage them to submit their own comments.

Pyramidal orchid on a brownfield site schedule for development

Terry Whittaker/2020VISION

What to check on a planning application

Before you submit your response, look closely at the application and ask:

  • Is the site allocated for development in the Local Plan?
  • Could important habitats such as grassland, woodland, wetlands or hedgerows be lost or damaged?
  • Could priority or protected species be affected?
  • Is the site a Local Wildlife Site or near another important place for nature?
  • Could local people lose access to a valued green space or natural area?
  • Have ecological surveys been included, and are they recent enough to be useful?
  • Has a similar application been refused before?
  • Does the application explain how impacts on nature will be avoided, reduced or compensated for?

These are the kinds of issues that can make your response more relevant and effective.