1
State your position clearly
Say at the start whether you object to the site being taken forward.
Suggested opening
“I object to Site 136785 because…”
Use your own words
How to write a strong response.
Start with a simple three-part structure, then choose the two issues you know best.
Start here
Use this simple three-part structure
You do not need specialist planning knowledge. A clear, accurate response based on your own experience is valuable.
2
Add one or two local facts or experiences
Name a road, school, location, time of day, repeated problem or personal observation.
Useful ways to begin
“I regularly experience…”
“I have personally observed…”
“The location affected is…”
Good to include
A road name, school, time of day, exact location or repeated experience makes your response much stronger.
3
Finish with a clear request
Ask the Council to assess, publish or demonstrate something before the site progresses.
Suggested closing
“Before progressing this site, the Council should…”
“I ask the Council to assess…”
Keep it constructive
Ask the Council to demonstrate, assess or publish evidence. That is usually stronger than simply repeating that you object.
Please do not copy and paste the examples word for word.
Use them as prompts, then add your own details and phrasing.
Choose the two issues you know best
Five useful areas to consider
It is better to make two specific points well than to try to cover everything.
Green Belt and openness
The proposed site lies within the South Bedfordshire Green Belt. Consider the effect of development on openness, countryside encroachment, urban sprawl and the established edge of Linslade.
Make it specific:
explain which Green Belt purpose you believe is relevant and why this site should not be released through the Local Plan.
Transport and infrastructure
Consider Wing Road, the railway bridge, peak-time queues, access to the town and cumulative traffic from existing and proposed growth.
Make it specific:
name the road, junction, time of day or effect on your journey.
Schools and community infrastructure
Consider school places, children travelling farther, healthcare, community facilities and whether infrastructure would be funded and delivered in time.
Make it specific:
name the school, service or difficulty your household has experienced.
Cumulative and sustainable growth
Consider how much growth Linslade has already absorbed, other submitted sites and whether this location has been fairly compared with more sustainable alternatives.
Make it specific:
explain how previous growth has affected roads, services or daily life.
Wildlife, flooding and green infrastructure
Consider flooding, drainage, regular recreational use, wildlife, habitat connectivity and the setting of the conservation area. Keep this distinct from the Green Belt designation.
Make it specific:
include a location, date, frequency or first-hand observation.
What is less likely to influence the decision?
- Loss of property value.
- Loss of a private view.
- Personal criticism of councillors, officers, landowners or future residents.
- Claims about flooding, wildlife or school capacity that you cannot support.
- Simply saying that you do not want houses nearby.
Before you submit
- Have I clearly stated my view?
- Have I focused on two strong issues?
- Have I included a road, school, location or personal experience?
- Is everything accurate?
- Have I used my own words?
