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Write a Strong
Planning Objection.

Quality matters more than emotion. Planning decisions are made based strictly on "material planning considerations." Here is how to ensure your voice actually counts.

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What Is a Material Consideration?

The council can only legally reject the application based on specific planning issues. Your objection must focus on these:

✓ Traffic and highway safety
✓ Scale and sustainability
✓ Flood risk and drainage
✓ Impact on character
✓ Ecology and biodiversity
✓ Cumulative development

How to Build Your Argument

Step 1 Start with a Clear Statement

Leave no room for misinterpretation. State exactly what you are doing in the first line.

"I formally object to the proposed 420-dwelling development at Kempston Rural [insert application number] for the following material planning reasons."

Step 2 Use Planning-Based Arguments

Traffic & Gibraltar Corner

  • • Increased vehicle movements
  • • Safety at constrained crossroads
  • • Construction HGV routes

Disproportionate Scale

  • • 420 homes vs existing ~330
  • • Lack of services (no shop/GP)
  • • Completely car-dependent

Loss of Rural Character

  • • Loss of green buffer land
  • • Urbanisation of countryside
  • • Settlement sprawl

Flooding & Wildlife

  • • Loss of permeable farmland
  • • Habitat & hedgerow destruction
  • • Drainage ditch capacity

Step 3 Add Personal, Local Observations

Planning officers read reports, but you live here. Grounded, local details add immense weight to your objection.

"Traffic queues already form at Gibraltar Corner during school run hours, backing up past..."
"Standing water frequently collects along Wood End Lane after heavy rain, proving the current drainage is..."
"Visibility when turning right at the junction is already severely limited by..."

What NOT to Say

Including these points can actually weaken your objection, as they are legally irrelevant to planning officers.

✕ "It will reduce my house value."
✕ "It will spoil my private view."
✕ "We don't want new people here."
✕ Aggressive or emotional language
✕ "The developer will make too much money."
✕ Copy-and-paste identical letters

Suggested Letter Structure

1

Clear Objection

State you object and reference the exact application number.

2

Scale & Sustainability

Explain why 420 homes is disproportionate to Kempston Rural.

3

Traffic & Safety

Reference Gibraltar Corner and cumulative growth in Wootton.

4

Drainage & Ecology

Highlight runoff concerns, greenfield loss, and wildlife corridors.

5

Closing Statement

Politely request refusal of the application.

Final Checklist

  • Submit your objection individually (1 per adult).
  • Include your full name and address (anonymous objections don't count).
  • Submit before the deadline.
  • Keep it to 1–2 pages maximum.
  • Be calm, polite, factual, and highly structured.

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