Commenting on a planning application
West Lothian Council welcomes the views of individuals and communities on any development application it receives. Before you submit your comments, we would advise that you view the full application.
When considering comments on planning applications, the council can only consider what are called material considerations (the technical term for relevant planning considerations), which are laid down in planning legislation.
How can I comment?
You can comment on a current planning application in various ways (you have 21 days, in most cases, from the date when the application is registered):
- Comment online. (opens new window) (On the council's website, at the search page (opens new window), type in the street name or application number. You can then view the documents relating to the site and if you are within the consultation period, you can comment on the application - your name and address is necessary to complete the submission).
- Email your comment to planning@westlothian.gov.uk, please include your name and address, the date, application number and the address of the site
- Post your comment to: Development Management Manager, West Lothian Council, Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, EH54 6FF, please include your name and address, the date, the application number and the address of the site.
Material considerations: these will be taken into account when we make a decision
- Contrary to the Development Plan
- Road safety, traffic and parking issues
- Residential amenity (loss of privacy, overshadowing, loss of daylight, etc)
- Appearance (design, materials, scale, massing, etc)
- Impact on the character and setting of a listed buildings and/or conservation areas
Non-material considerations: comments like these will not be taken into account
- Potential impact on property values
- The loss of a view
- A private legal matter (such as land ownership)
- Neighbour disputes, such as private access rights, party walls or damage to property
- Any commercial interests which you feel might be affected.
If your comment only contains non-material considerations it will not be registered.
Please note that any comments made will be available for inspection online. To make a comment you must include your name and address, which will also be displayed online.
Please read our Privacy Notice (PDF, 120 KB)(opens new window) before you send us your comments.
What happens next?
When you send us a comment we will acknowledge it by letter and we will let you know the council's decision, or if the application is going to be reported to the Development Management Committee. If it is, you will have the right to address the committee. We've prepared guidance on how an application is decided and who makes the decision.
