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It is important to realise that an application simply cannot be refused because a lot of people object to it or approved simply because a lot of people are in favour of it. Local views are one consideration along with other planning issues.

We can only consider objections or letters of support which are relevant to planning issues. These can include, for example, the

• effect of the proposal on traffic
• appearance of the area 
• privacy of neighbours.

We cannot take into account such matters as

• the loss of a private view
• the effect the development might have on property values
• matters dealt with under building regulations or other legislation.

The Council will not consider letters of comment which discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. The writer will be advised of the authority’s concerns and the matter may be referred to the Police.

Data protection and public comments

The name and address of those who choose to make comments on planning applications is public information and cannot be treated as confidential.

It is therefore published on the planning portal in line with the Scottish Government’s guidance on . We cannot accept representations if the writer is unwilling to have this information published and made available for public inspection in line with the planning acts.

Our privacy notice sets out what happens to your details when you submit comments. You should note that your name, address and comments will become public on the planning portal once the application is determined. Personal details such as email addresses, phone numbers and signatures will not be published.

Please do not put personal information, such as your personal email address or phone number in the body of your comment when submitting online.

We will remove names and addresses from the planning portal three months after the decision is issued in accordance with our retention schedule. However, details may remain public for longer in the event of an appeal or review of the application.

Time periods for comments

• Public comments on planning applications must be made within 21 days of the validation, advert or neighbour notification date, whichever is the later. The weekly list date has no statutory significance in relation to the period for comments and we would urge the public to check online if you want to keep up-to-date with new applications.
• If you are using the planning portal to comment on an application, you will be advised whether you still have time to make your views known.
• The weekly list of planning applications, includes reference to the period for comments on applications included within the list and is sent to all community councils and others who have signed up to it. It is also available online.
• During public holiday periods, there will be extra time for comments to be submitted.
• For applications which require an Environmental Impact Assessment, the period for submitting comments is increased to 30 days.

Submitting comments on a planning application

• The easiest way to make comments is to use the planning portal – if you fill in your email address, we can email you the decision on the application.
• Comments can also be submitted in writing to the chief planning officer. Chief planning officer, Place, Waverley Court, 4 East Market Street, Edinburgh, EH8 8BG.
• Please try to avoid emailing your comments to us as they may get lost with other email correspondence. The quickest and most secure way to make comments is to use the planning portal.
• Anonymous letters commenting on an application cannot be considered.
• You should state clearly what you are commenting on, and the comments must include the date, the name and address of the sender, the reference number of the application, the name / address of the site.
• Remember that there may be more than one application for the same site. For instance, there may be separate applications for planning permission and listed building consent.
• You will need to comment on each application separately if you are commenting online.

Petitions

Petitions of objection or support may also be submitted and will be considered provided that

• each page of the petition is headed with the aim of the petition
• the names and addresses of those signing are provided and are readable
• the comments are relevant in planning terms and are clearly stated
• the name and address of the petition co-ordinator is included for receipt of acknowledgement and notification of decision.

Please note that acknowledgement and notification of the decision will only be made to the petition co-ordinator.

How we deal with your comments

Your comment will be acknowledged if made on paper. If you have made online comments, please tick the box to receive a copy of your comments. A separate acknowledgement will not be issued.

If your comments do raise planning issues, the case officer will fully assess these against the proposals and make a recommendation on the case. You will be notified of the final decision on the application.

Where a change is made to a proposal either prior to a decision being made on the application or following the decision on the application, there will generally be no further publicity, unless new issues are raised.

Please see our customer service charter for details of the service we provide.