Speaking gives you the chance to say why you think the application should be approved or refused and to stress the issues you consider most important.
The comments you raise should already have been identified in your letter to us and will be summarised in our report. It is not helpful to introduce new issues when speaking to the Committee.
Please note that the following issues are not usually considered relevant in reaching planning decisions:
- Matters covered by other laws, e.g. alcohol license
- Private property rights e.g. boundary or access disputes or covenants
- The developer’s morals or motives
- Possible future development
- Loss of view over other people’s land
- Effect on value of the property
The Council recognise that making a public address can be a daunting task. It will help if you plan what you want to say, and practice it, ensuring everything you wish to say can be communicated in your allocated 3 minutes.
Do not forget that the laws of slander are very strict. If you say something in public about a person which is not true, even if you believe it to be true, you may be at risk of legal action.
Speakers cannot circulate new documents other than photographs and no presentation aids such as overhead projectors or Power Point may be used. |