Have your say on controversial Harbour & Seafront Development Plots F, G & H

Like it or loathe it, the reserved matters application for the design, scale and layout of the plans for the development of plots F, G and H of the Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development; which have caused so much controversy, are now open for the public to comment on. This has been the case since the 4 April 2024.

In the last 20 days only one person has bothered to comment on the plans. Given many within the community of Folkestone disapprove of the plans, it is remarkably surprising so few have chosen to say anything on the Council’s planning portal.

What Grounds can I dispute?

When writing your application it is important to be considerate of what actually constitutes a legitimate argument against the submitted plans. Obviously there is no one size fits all answer to this question. Every application is different. However, there exists a broad list of reasons you can put forward as the basis for an objection. This list is not comprehensive but rather indicative. It is the job of the reader to use their discretion and decide which of the following reasons (if any) are relevant to their situation. 

Negative / adverse visual impact of the development – of particular concern is the impact a proposal will have on local landscape and points of interest

Issues with the Design proposed – this includes:

• Designs that are out of scale or “character”
• Detailing and materials that are poorly matched with the area
• Ignoring local design (determined by comparison and any guidelines)

Negative effects on community – due to:

• Noise
• Disturbance
• Overlooking & loss of privacy
• Nuisance
• Shading / loss of daylight

Be sure to provide tangible and detailed examples of the above in your letter. Planning officers do not look kindly on what they consider to be unfounded claims.

Over development – This is especially relevant if changes will be out of character in the area.

Conservation Areas & Listed Buildings -Any impact that the planned development may have on a Conservation Area or Listed Buildings.

This is not an exhaustive list

What Councils will not accept as grounds for an objection

It is also important to be cognizant of what will not fly with the council. The following arguments should never be used as grounds for an objection.

• The applicants ethnic origin, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation
• Impact on property valuation in the area of the planning site
• Boundary or other unresolved civil disputes
• The applicant’s personal circumstances or other private matters
• Claims about the behaviour or reputation of the applicant or their representatives
• Hearsay about other unspecified work or alternative uses of the application site (unless covered by the application)
• Matters relating to prior negative experiences such as previous nuisances caused by the applicant

Many people object to planning on the grounds that the effect of construction (i.e. dust, noise, nuisance caused by construction traffic etc.) is causing a major impact on themselves or their community. This is not a planning consideration as such, in all but extreme cases this is unlikely to be considered by the planning authority.

So if you wish to object and have your say, then you can do so by leaving a comment ⇒ here

None of the above is legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. If you require legal advice then seek assistance from a solicitor or other legal professional.

The Shepway Vox Team

Dissent is NOT a Crime