Planning

Planning Applications

Parish councils are consulted by West Suffolk Council on most but not all planning applications within their parish. The Parish Council has the opportunity to consider each application and submit comments based on local knowledge and relevant planning considerations. West Suffolk Council will take the Parish Council's views into account when determining an application. It is important to understand that a parish council does not make the final decision on a planning application. Its role is to consider the proposal, represent local views and raise relevant planning concerns. The final decision is always made by West Suffolk Council, either by planning officers under delegated powers or, for certain applications, by the Development Control Committee.

How residents can have their say

Residents can view planning applications and submit their own comments directly to West Suffolk Council through its online planning portal. To search for an application go to the Simple Search tool by clicking here  and you can search by keyword, application reference, postcode or by a single line of an address.

Comments should relate to matters that are relevant to planning, such as highway safety, the effect on the surrounding area, design, appearance, noise, overlooking or the impact on neighbouring properties.  

The Parish Council welcomes residents' views on planning applications, but residents should also submit their own comments directly to West Suffolk Council to ensure their views are formally recorded on the planning application.