WORRIED that your neighbours might be planning an extension which might block sunlight to your lounge? Concerned a housing development could spring up on your doorstep?

This week the story of the Lyttons, who are battling against Cornwall Council for granting planning permission for neighbours’ extensions overlooking their garden, showed how difficult the planning system can be.

Here is a guide to how to make sure you are aware of what planning applications are being submitted in your community and how to have your say on them.

How do I comment on planning application?

Once a planning application has been submitted to Cornwall Council the relevant parties will be told and letters will be sent to immediate neighbours giving them 21 days to comment. No application can be decided before the 21 days of consultation has ended.

Anyone can comment on a planning application during the 21-day period. All written comments, whether in support or objection, will be taken into consideration by Cornwall Council when it makes a decision on the application, but only if they raise issues which are relevant to the proposal and are “material” to planning.

In simple terms, “material” planning considerations should relate to the use and development of land.

You can make comments about planning applications through the Cornwall Council website or you can submit a comment in writing by email or post. All comments are published on the Cornwall Council website and available to view and will include your name and address.

You can also set up a petition against a planning application which should state clearly the purpose of the petition and the reasons for supporting or objecting to the planning application. All names and addresses of those signing the petition should be clear to read and there should be contact details for whoever is organising the petition.

There are also other ways to make comments about planning applications – contact your local Cornwall councillor to share your views with them. You can also contact your town or parish council as they are also consulted about planning applications.

How are planning applications decided?

Cornwall Council has up to eight weeks to make a decision on a planning applications, although for major developments this increases to 13 weeks.

Most planning applications are decided under what are known as delegated powers by a senior planning officer at the council but some applications will go before the relevant area planning committee to be decided by its members – elected councillors – and major applications will go before the strategic planning committee.

If you have commented on a planning application your comments will be included in the planning officer’s report, where they will be summarised, and if the application goes to committee then you may get the opportunity to speak at the meeting.

What if I don’t agree with the decision?

Neighbours or other interested people cannot appeal against a decision once it has been made – only the applicant has the right to appeal. If an application is refused and the applicant appeals then everyone who has contacted the council about the application will be notified.

Appeals are made to the secretary of state for communities and local government through the planning inspectorate who will consider the appeal and decide in line with local and national planning guidelines.