Any comments (representations) on or objections to an application must be made in writing as by law they have to be available for public inspection. This means verbal comments cannot be accepted. Comments can be made via letter to Development Management or by email, comments can also be made online (please note registration is required to be able to comment online).
If using the latter you will be required to go through a simple registration process for security purposes. Once registered you will be able to track the progress of applications and receive notifications about the application you are interested. The registration button is clearly marked on the planning application search page.
As all comments are published on the Council’s planning web site so please do not include any signature or personal telephone numbers/email addresses – if they are included they will be removed (redacted) for information security reasons. Postal addresses will be included as standard practice, along with your comments. However you can request that this be removed from on-line publication although this will mean your comment will be regard as anonymous and may carry less weight during determination of the application.
The Council is required to consult with a number of statutory organisations and their comments are also published on the web site.
Normally representations should be made within 14 days of the application being advertised in the Shetland Times or within 21 days if you have been notified as a landowner or through neighbour notification. Comments can be submitted beyond this period if there is a reason for this.
How to make an informed comment
It is important that any comments or objections you make are relevant to the application, commonly referred to as material planning issues, and are clearly stated. The planning process cannot, for example, take such matters as loss of view, effect on property values or moral reasons for objecting into account when determining an application.
Examples of relevant matters that the Council would take into account in determining an application include environmental impact of the development, noise pollution, interactions with other developments and conflict with recreational use of an area. This is not an exhaustive list and the reason for your concern may well be relevant and need consideration so you should make the Council aware of it.