Searching for a planning application
Application documents
All documents that form a planning application or appeal are available online. These include application forms, drawings and other supporting documentation.
Some old files are not available online. If the file is not on online, a paper copy will be held at our offices.
Searching Public Access
If you want to search for an application, follow the advice on the search screen and use the number that doesn't include 'BRW'. If you're searching for a case that only has BRW reference you can either convert this to the new format or carry out a search on the address which will show all applications on the property.
Converting BRW references
The majority of references are for full planning applications. The following example shows how to convert a BRW number for a full application to the new numbering system. Example - application BRW/425/2007 becomes 07/00425/FUL. The main reference number must include 5 digits with 0s being added before the BRW number.
Other types of application follow the same formula. In the most common types of application FUL is substituted by OUT for outline applications, RES for reserved matters, LBC for listed building applications, TPO for applications related to preserved trees and ADV for applications for advertisement consent. If in doubt it's recommended that you use the address search facility.
Planning history
The planning history shown in Public Access dates back to 1988. If you want to view older planning history, email land.charges@brentwood.gov.uk.
Copyright
Plans, drawings and material submitted to the council are protected by the copyright acts (section 47, 1988 act). You may only use material which is downloaded and/or printed for consultation purposes, to compare current applications with previous schemes and to check whether developments have been completed in accordance with approved plans. More copies must not be made without permission of the copyright owner. By clicking on the link below you are agreeing to the above copyright.
When viewing applications on Public Access, the tab titled Comments now refers to consultee comments and representations. Correspondence or comments that you send or submit will be available for public viewing and published on the website. Your name and address will also be published, however personal information such as e-mail addresses and phone numbers will not be displayed. We reserve the right to redact comments which are considered to be defamatory. Representations should be as brief as possible and relevant to the planning merits of the proposal. Representations are not acknowledged.
Commenting on a planning application
You can comment to support or object to any application that's currently open for consultation. Search for applications using the application number or part of the address.
We will note all comments and publish them on our website for public viewing. Your name, address and comment will be displayed.
- You must include your name and address with your comments (we accept e-mail addresses, so we have a way to contact you regarding your comments if required). We can't accept confidential or anonymous comments.
- You must not include any other personal information in your comments.
- When making a comment, make sure that it is not offensive, harmful or untrue. If it is, your comment will be removed from the website. You're responsible for any statements that you make.
- Views expressed by third parties on our website are not the views of Brentwood Borough Council.
If you need to include information that shouldn’t be public, make sure you highlight this at the beginning of your comment and we will remove it before the letter is published.
We can’t respond to individual comments, but you can track the progress of the planning application on the planning register.
Comment online
You must have an online account with the Council. If you haven’t already registered or logged in, you will be prompted to before you can leave your comments. Appropriate checks will be made to ensure the authenticity of online accounts and comments posted. Any accounts or comments found to be fraudulent will be removed.
If your comments are lengthy, we advise you to type them into a word processor first then paste them into the comments form.
What should my comments include?
Your comments can only be properly considered if you give reasons which relate to the planning application and to planning matters.
When considering a planning application, it's not whether owners and tenants of nearby properties would experience financial or other loss from a development, but whether the proposal would affect the local buildings and facilities as well as the existing use of land and buildings which should be protected.
Planning applications will be judged in accordance with adopted development plan documents unless there are relevant planning considerations which suggest otherwise.
Issues that are considered relevant in planning decisions
- Local development framework
- Development plan documents
- Supplementary planning documents
- The Statement of Community Involvement
- The annual monitoring report
- Government planning guidance
- The Council's corporate policies
- Highway safety and traffic levels
- Noise, disturbance and smells resulting from the proposed development
- Design, appearance and layout
- Conservation of buildings, trees and open land
- Flood risk
- Impact on the appearance of the area
- Effect on the level of daylight and privacy of existing property
- Need to safeguard the countryside or protected species of plant or animal
- Planning case law and previous decisions
- The need for the development
- The planning history of the site
Planning considerations which are not relevant
- Private property rights such as covenants
- The developer's identity, morals or motives
- Effect on the value of your property
- Loss of a private view
- Private neighbour disputes
What happens after I submit my comments?
If you submit your comments online using the online planning register you can track the updates to the application and will be told when a decision has been made. To do this you need to log into your account, go to the application and then select “track”.
If you have submitted your comments by letter you will not receive a response but your points will be considered and mentioned in the officer’s report. You will be told if the application is referred to the relevant committee, where you may have the opportunity to speak.