Anyone can make a comment on a planning application.
You can also comment on applications for listed building consent, conservation area consent, hazardous substances consent and certain other types of application.
The deadline for submission of comments is usually 21 days from date of notification.
Comments made on applications will be sent to the case officer and you will receive an acknowledgement.
From Monday 9 September 2024, public comments will not be published on the Council’s website.
How to make a comment
Online
Our Online Planning Information System (OPIS), allows you to:
- view the full application, drawings, and plans
- make a comment on a planning application
- receive email notifications about the application you have commented on
Use the search facility to find the application you wish to comment on. Click the 'make a comment' button on the planning application summary page.
Make a comment
Please note: you must login to make a comment. You can register on OPIS free of charge.
In writing
The preferred method for making comments is to use our website, if you are able to do so. Otherwise, please send your comments by post to the address below and quote the application reference number:
Planning Services, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE
To ensure you receive an acknowledgement by post, please ensure that you provide your name and postal address.
Personal information will be stored in accordance with the GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
Please note:
- if you make comments online, you will be sent an automatic acknowledgment to your email address
- if you send your comments by post, you will be sent an acknowledgement letter to your postal address
- your comments will be sent directly to the planning officer who is dealing with the application for their consideration
- please do not send your application comments to us by email
What you can comment on
Comments must relate to material considerations such as:
- the development plan - Local Development Plan and the National Planning Framework 4
- design and visual appearance
- impacts on surroundings
- environmental impacts
- planning and economic considerations
- overlooking/loss of privacy
- overshadowing/loss of light
- noise impacts
- traffic impacts
PAS (Planning Aid Scotland) is an independent charity which offers free, impartial and confidential planning advice, provided by staff and volunteers all of whom are chartered planners. Visit the PAS website for more information.
Comments relating to the following are examples of what cannot be taken into account:
- personal interests
- ownership
- loss of property value
- obstruction of views
- the potential for disruption during construction
What happens next?
Comments are taken into account during the decision making process. In most cases, decisions are taken under delegated authority by planning officers. Major applications, and other applications which have been called-in, are determined by the Council's Planning Committee. The comments we receive will be summarised in a report of handling or in a committee report. These reports will be published on our website. Your personal information will not be included in any reports we publish.
Anyone who submits a comment will be informed of the planning decision which the Council makes. Please note: There is no statutory right of appeal by a third party against the council's decision either to grant or refuse planning permission.