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Comment on a planning application 

Anyone can make a comment in support of, or object to, a planning application.

The deadline for submission of comments is usually 21 days from date of notification.

'National' or 'major' developments must go through a pre-application process, involving public consultation. Any representations, at this stage, should be made directly to the developer.

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
  • view other comments
  • 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. Guide to registering on OPIS (PDF, 1.45mb).

In writing

Include your name and full postal address for acknowledgement.

Publicising comments

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

Personal information will be stored in accordance with the GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

It may take some time for your comments to appear online. However, whether or not your comments have been published, please be assured that the points you make will be considered before a decision is reached.

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
  • your comments may be published online, usually before a decision is taken on the application. Publication of comments will not happen immediately, but will be added to the website as soon as possible. This is due to the large volume of correspondence we receive, which all needs to be checked before publication
  • obscene or defamatory comments will not be published
  • we will not publish your name or other personal details online, nor the identity of any other persons referred to in your comments
  • please do not send your application comments to us by email

What you can comment on

Comments must relate to material considerations such as:

  • compliance with the Local Development Plan
  • sustainability
  • appearance
  • impacts on surroundings
  • planning and economic benefits
  • availability of service
  • need
  • overlooking/loss of privacy 
  • the potential for noise disturbance
  • overshadowing/loss of light
  • detrimental environmental impact

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 used in the decision making process. This is done under delegated authority by a member of planning staff, or by the Planning Committee.

Anyone who submits a comment will be informed of the planning decision. Please note: There is no legal right of appeal by a third party against the council's decision.

Contact Planning

Email

eplanning@north-ayrshire.gov.uk

Telephone

For all general enquiries about planning permission, please telephone 01294 324319 during office hours.

For planning permission related enquiries, choose from the following numbers:

  • North Coast (West Kilbride, Fairlie, Largs, Cumbrae, Skelmorlie): 01294 324320
  • Three Towns (Ardrossan, Saltcoats, Stevenston): 01294 324794
  • Isle of Arran: 01294 324316
  • Irvine: 01294 324318
  • Kilwinning & Garnock Valley (Dalry, Kilbirnie, Beith): 01294 324313

Please leave your name, your contact telephone number and brief description of your enquiry as clearly as possible.

We aim to return calls on the same or next working day.

For Local Development Plan and all other planning policy enquiries, please email LDP@north-ayrshire.gov.uk or telephone 01294 324763

Address

Letters can be posted to the following address:

Planning Services, North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE

Please note: If you wish to meet with a member of our team at Cunninghame House, please contact us and make an appointment beforehand. For your convenience, officers are also available to meet you at any location within North Ayrshire.

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