We want to hear from local residents, businesses, and organisations before making decisions on planning applications.

Who can comment

Anyone can comment on a planning application during the minimum 21-day consultation period. Applications are publicised through letters, site notices, and the Wimbledon Times. You can view new applications on our weekly list.

We are committed to making the planning process accessible to everyone. If you need help understanding or viewing the documents, call 020 8545 3777 and we will assist you.

How to comment

You can support, object to, or simply comment on an application.

Send your comments by email to:
planning.representations@merton.gov.uk 

Include the following:

  • Application reference number (from our weekly list or Planning Explorer)
  • Your name and address
  • A brief description of the application
  • Your comments

Please note: Comments are not confidential and will be part of the public record.

Making an objection

We can only consider valid planning reasons, known as material planning considerations. The most common of these (although not an exhaustive list) are shown below:

  • Loss of light or overshadowing
  • Overlooking/loss of privacy
  • Visual amenity (but not loss of private view)
  • Adequacy of parking/loading/turning
  • Highway safety
  • Traffic generation
  • Noise and disturbance resulting from use
  • Hazardous materials
  • Smells
  • Loss of trees
  • Effect on listed building and conservation area
  • Layout and density of building
  • Design, appearance and materials
  • Landscaping
  • Road access
  • Local, strategic, regional and national planning policies
  • Government circulars, orders and statutory instruments
  • Disabled persons' access
  • Compensation and awards of costs against us at public enquiries
  • Proposals in the Development Plan
  • Previous planning decisions (including appeal decisions)
  • Nature conservation
  • Archaeology
  • Solar panels
  • Loss of light or overshadowing
  • Overlooking or loss of privacy
  • Noise or disturbance
  • Traffic or highway safety concerns
  • Parking or access issues
  • Design, size, layout, or appearance of the proposal
  • Impact on listed buildings or conservation areas
  • Effect on trees, landscaping, or nature
  • Compliance with local and national planning policies
  • Access for disabled people
  • Previous planning decisions
  • Solar panel impacts

We cannot consider:

  • The perceived loss of property value
  • Private disputes between neighbours
  • The loss of a view
  • The impact of construction work or competition between firms
  • Restrictive covenants
  • Ownerships disputes over rights of way
  • Fence lines etc
  • Personal morals or views about the applicant.

To object to a prior approval application, check which issues apply. These are more limited than standard planning applications (see below).

Prior approval applications

Some developments (e.g. home extensions or extra storeys) only need prior approval and are assessed on specific issues set by law.

You can comment on:

Larger home extensions:

  • Loss of privacy
  • Loss of light or sunlight
  • Noise or disturbance
  • Light pollution
  • Overbearing or intrusive appearance
  • Changes to micro-climate

Extra storeys on homes:

  • Privacy and light impact
  • External appearance
  • Air traffic impacts
  • Protected views

Certificates of lawful development

These applications confirm whether a development is lawful and do not require public consultation. Comments are passed to the case officer but do not affect the decision.

What happens next

  • All comments are reviewed by the case officer.
  • Email comments receive an automated reply. Letters do not receive confirmation.
  • We no longer publish comments online due to data protection concerns. To view them, email us.

We must allow at least 21 days for comments, though we may accept later ones if the decision has not yet been made.

All comments are kept on file and may be shared if requested.

How decisions are made

Most decisions are made by planning officers, taking into account all comments.

Some applications go to the Planning Applications Committee, where local councillors decide. If this happens:

Keeping informed

We don’t respond to individual letters, but you can track the status of an application on our website. Once a decision is made, you can view the case officer’s report and the decision notice online.

Refused applications and appeals

If an application is refused, the applicant can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. There is no right for others to appeal.

If you commented on the original application, your comments will be sent to the Inspectorate. You will also be informed if an appeal is made.

To comment on an appeal, submit your views directly via the Planning Inspectorate on GOV.UK.

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