How to get Involved in Planning

There are a number of routes through to planning and planners :

The Local Authority's Planning or Environment Website. Within each local authority website, there is a Planning section which will give you information on registered planning applications and Planning Policy (the Local Development Framework). There are usually opportunities to make your comments online regarding a current planning application or emerging planning policy in the LDF which might affect you. The earlier you get involved the more chance you have of getting your views and needs taken into account.

Planning Officer. Each planning application will have a named Case officer dealing with it. Similarly there will be named Planning Officers who can help you directly on the progress and contents of the emerging Development Plan (the LDF). A Duty Officer is usually available in the Planning Department Reception area who can either directly assist you with general queries or refer you on to an appropriate contact elsewhere within the department.

Councillors. Councillors are your locally elected representatives, generally there are around three per Ward. To find your Councillor, go to the Council website and click on 'Council and Democracy', 'Get involved', or similar links.

Local Residents or Special Interest Groups & Forums. These can be within the Community and/or Voluntary sector. The network of such groups is one of the things which makes London such a rich and diverse place. They are an essential component of Sustainable Communities and contribute substantially to both the Development Plan and Development Control processes. If there isn't a Group which you feel can help you effectively participate in these processes then why not form a Group yourselves?

Access Officer. Access Officers are employed by Councils to comment on planning applications, liaise with groups representing disabled people, raise awareness of the needs of disabled people etc. They are quite often to be found in the Building Control section of the Council. Unfortunately not every London Borough has an Access Officer in place yet.

Professional assistance. Professional planning consultants, architects, surveyors can be employed to assist you. Click here for organizations that may be able to assist you. Planning Aid for London provides free and affordable, independent professional