Access to Planning Applications

The Planning Applications that are received by Development Control each week are recorded in the Weekly List. The applications themselves can be viewed by the public at the Council's Customer Contact Centre on the ground floor of the Civic Centre on weekdays between 8.45am and 5.15pm.

Planning Applications in Leigh-on-Sea

Planning applications within the area of Leigh Town Council can be inspected at their offices at 67 Elm Road Leigh-on-Sea. The Town Council’s offices are open to view plans at the following times: Mon – Fri. 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m; or at other times by prior arrangement. The Town Council has access to Southend Borough Council’s Public Access website so that the most recent versions of plans posted can be viewed. For further information, ring 01702-716288

Commenting on a Planning Application

Anyone may make a representation about a planning application. All written representations received will be fully considered provided they relate to the planning merits of the proposed scheme and may influence the decision.

Examples of Planning Issues

• Planning Policy (Government Guidance, Structure and Local Plans).
• Design, appearance, layout and effect on nearby property.
• Impact on visual or residential amenity (including loss of light, noise, odour and other environmental impacts).
• Impact on trees, conservation areas or nature conservation.
• Highway safety and traffic issues, including vehicle parking.

Not Planning Issues

• Private property rights  (boundary or access disputes, restrictive covenants).
• Effect on property values.
• Personality or a developer’s motives.
• Loss of view over private land.

The Decision

Each planning application is evaluated taking account of national and regional policies and guidance, policies contained within the adopted development plan for the Borough and the County, and other adopted planning guidance or briefs.  Comments from consultees, members of the public and any other material considerations are taken into account when making a determination, including the individual merits of the scheme. The aim is to make decisions in the public interest, which involves striking a fair balance between letting people make reasonable changes to their property, and preventing alterations that cause demonstrable harm to individuals or to the area as a whole.