An interesting article in The Observer newspaper on how local communities can campaign against planning decisions. It starts with a row about the relocation of some Victorian lampposts in Ealing and goes on to give some helpful hints about ways to get the attention of your local council.
An argument about lampposts can seem trivial but it illustrates the growing gap between the government’s mantra about listening to local communities and the sad reality.
The campaigning tips can be summarised as follows:
If you want to protect your community, early intervention in the planning process is essential.
Planning law only gives 21 days for protest, so get everyone to look out for planning applications. The minimum requirement is a notice on the buildings that are next door or one one side, so good local communication is essential.
To fight an application, know your rights and get access to information.
You can make your point at local council meetings, but you need to check your speaking rights, which vary from council to council.
As a rough guide a petition with 25 signatures will get you a five minute slot at a council meeting - and five slots could be enough to make your case.
For more information see:
www.elflaw.org
www.planningaid.rtpi.org.uk
www.tescoploy.org
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