Planning Applications FAQs
Follow the links below for answers to frequently asked questions about planning applications.
- How do I submit a planning application?
- How can I view a planning application?
- How long does a planning permission last before it expires?
- Can I comment on a planning application?
- How can I comment on a planning application?
- What can I comment on?
- Can you help me comment on a planning application?
- How do I search the planning archive?
- What happens after I submit a comment on a planning application?
- Where do I drop off my building samples?
- Can you recommend an architect, surveyor, planning consultant, solicitor, builder or tree surgeon?
How do I submit a planning application?
You can submit an application:
- online via the Planning Portal
- in person or by post to Planning Services
How can I view a planning application?
You can view an application online or in person:
Online
You can use Hackney's Planning Explorer to view planning applications online. This will let you search within the last 31 days for:
- new applications
- specific applications
- undecided applications
- recent cecisions
For applications more than 31 days old, you can search our Planning Applications Archive online.
For applications submitted before 2003, an appointment to view the plans must be made by calling the Hackney Contact Centre.
In person
To view a plan in person, please make make an appointment to view the plans with Planning Services. Appointments are between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Once your appointment has been confirmed, you can view plans at the Planning Services reception. There is no cost for viewing plans.
If you need to take a copy of the plans with you a photocopier is available. The charge for using the photocopying is 20p per A4 sheet and 40p per A3 sheet
The maximum number of files / plans that can be viewed in one session is 5.
How long does a planning permission last before it expires?
- When full planning permission is granted, work must commence within 3 years, unless a condition is attached which specifies a different period.
- Work must not start until any-pre commencement conditions have been met. Once work has been completed the permission lasts until the use is replaced by another.
If you need clarification you should consult the Duty Planning Officer at our Planning Services reception.
Can I comment on a planning application?
Yes.
- You can comment on a planning application even if you haven’t been formally consulted.
- You can comment for or against an application. You can also raise an issue if you are neutral about the application.
Comments can be made online or by writing to the Development Management team. See question below, 'How can I comment on a planning information,' for instructions on how to do this.
How can I comment on a planning application?
You can make a comment online or by writing to the Development Management team.
Online
- Find the application using Hackney's Planning Explorer (this lets you view applications that are less than 31 days old).
- Click on the application’s number
- Click on ‘Document’ at the bottom of the screen
- Click on ‘Comment on Application
Post
- Please send your comments to the Development Management team, using the address listed on our Planning Services page.
- Please make sure you include your postal address in your comment as we will send you an acknowledgement letter within three days.
What can I comment on?
For the planning officer to take comments into account when considering the application, the comments must be directly related to the actual application. These are known as ‘material considerations’.
The kinds of comments the planning officer can consider include issues such as:
- design and layout
- external appearance and materials
- access for disabled people
- loss of daylight, sunlight and/or privacy of neighbours
- noise nuisance
- traffic and parking issues
- loss of, or an increase in, a particular type or use or land.
The kinds of comments the planning officer cannot take into account are:
- dispute over boundaries
- restrictive covenants including rights over land and rights to light
- loss of value of land and / or property
- matters dealt with under other legislation
- noise and inconvenience of building works
- business competition and personal circumstances
This is not a complete list. If you want to make a comment about an issue and are not sure that it is a material consideration you can contact Planning Services.
Can you help me comment on a planning application?
Yes. If you need help with making comments on a planning application, or if you have difficulty with reading or writing, you can contact the duty planner at Planning Services for help.
What happens after I submit a comment on a planning application?
We will let you know what decision has been made if you have made comments.
If the planning application needs to be considered by the Planning Sub Committee, we will tell you when the meeting will be. You can attend this meeting and, if you ask in advance, you can also speak at it.
How do I search the planning archive?
- For applications more than 31 days old, you can search our Planning Applications Archive online.
- For applications submitted before 2003, an appointment to view the plans must be made by calling Hackney Contact Centre.
Where do I drop off my building samples?
You can drop off building samples at the Reception at our Planning Services reception.
Please include a covering letter which states:
- your contact details
- which planning officer the building samples are for
- which site the samples are for
- the planning permission reference number
Can you recommend an architect, surveyor, planning consultant, solicitor, builder or tree surgeon?
We cannot recommend anyone to carry out services on your property.
A recommendation from a friend or neighbour can sometimes be the most reliable way of finding a good source of technical or professional advice.
Professional bodies and societies will be able to help. Useful addresses are given on the Planning Documents, Forms and Guides section of our website.
Page updated: 1 Sep 2009