Planning representation take down policy

We use the term ‘representation’ to describe comments received in respect of planning applications. These may be in support of the application or against it (or both).

Representations submitted online to our planning application system are not moderated and approved before publication and it is the individual commenter’s responsibility to ensure they comply with the outlined requirements for the acceptable posting of representations.

These are:

• representations submitted online to our planning application system are not moderated and approved before publication and it is the individual commenter’s responsibility to ensure they comply with the outlined requirements for the acceptable posting of comments
• commenters must ensure that comments do not contain any information they do not want to appear online (e.g. personal information), foul or abusive language, or inappropriate or defamatory comments
• we will not respond to comments or to questions raised in them

Matters taken into account

Only matters relevant to planning control can be taken into account reaching a decision for example:

• the appearance and character of the area or street, including the design and materials of buildings
• other environmental issues such as noise
• traffic and road safety
• employment and the local economy
• impact on public services
• impact of a building on the amenity of neighbouring properties, for example privacy or the physical effect of the building

Matters not taken into account

We cannot normally consider the following matters:

• the fact that development may have already begun
• 'trade objections' from potential competitors
• moral arguments for example opposition to betting shops or amusement arcades
• the belief that an application is submitted with the intention of selling the property at an enhanced value
• the loss of an attractive view from private property
• the fear that a nearby house might be devalued
• the fact that the applicant does not own the land
• allegations that a proposal might affect private rights, such as restrictive covenants or rights of way. Such rights will not be affected by a grant of planning permission
• the fear that a building may be used for a different purpose in the course of time
• the personal circumstances of the applicant as sometimes put forward in support of an application as these will unlikely outweigh the more general planning consideration
• matters covered by other legislation e.g. Building Regulations or the Health & Safety at Work Act

Making a complaint

In order for us to review your complaint we require the following information:

• details of the individual making the complaint
• specify the nature of the complaint e.g. defamation, breach of confidence, data protection
• describe the infringing content in as much detail as possible e.g. by quoting or otherwise identifying the specific content – e.g. providing a URL to the item

Complaints should be made by:

• Email: planning@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
• By post: Development Management, Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Portal, Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BA.

Action to be taken on receipt of a complaint

It is the policy of Cheshire West and Chester Council to suspend immediately access to content that is subject to complaint while that complaint is verified.

Your complaint will be acknowledged within 48 hours of receipt and the comment suspended/removed.

The comment will be reviewed and the following steps may be taken:

• the comment may be republished in full should the Council determine any complaint is unfounded
• the comment may be republished with noted items redacted from view
• the comment may be permanently withdrawn from online publication

This includes comments held in the statutory register. Should you remain unhappy with the decision or actions of the Council or should you believe there has been a breach of data protection, you can report your concerns to the Data Protection Officer.