Semper fi...(always vigilant) about planning applications

At this time of year it is not unusual for planning applications to be submitted in early December just a few days too late for the district council to send out to parish councils for their December meetings. 

The time allowed for consultation and comment on applications is 21 days, which means the application would already have been decided on by the January council meeting of the relevant parish. And during the festive season, looking out for planning applications isn't high on people's agendas.

The result can be frustration that a planning application hasn't been given the local scrutiny it deserves.

So it is worth keeping an eye on the district council planning applications website, just in case there is something there that you might want to comment on. A parish council can of course seek an extension of time to allow further local discussion - but it has to do that during the consultation window, not afterwards.

Mind how you go.