Get Involved

There are many areas of the planning process where you can get involved. This includes the following:

Preparation of the Local Plan – the plan-making process.
Preparation of any Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD’s)
Commenting on planning applications
Speaking at Planning committee
Commenting on the Local Development Scheme

Statement of Community Involvement 2023 (SCI)

Our adopted SCI details:

Our commitment to ensure everyone is able to comment on plans that may have an impact on them
Who we plan to consult with
How we will consult

Further detail can be found by viewing the SCI document on our Public Consultation web page.

Planning applications – Stay informed

Signing up to our planning subscription service is the best and most efficient way to stay informed about applications of interest to you. You will get a tailored weekly email straight to your inbox letting you know what’s happening in your area, according to your preferences. It will also provide you with a link to the application on the public register making it easy for you to look at the application/plans in more detail. Once you have looked at the details, you then have the option to send us your comments for consideration. See ‘Have your say’ (below) for further guidance.

Notification preference options (multi-selection possible):

Parish/es
Ward/s

about

Valid applications
Applications under consultation
Applications being decided by committee
Decisions on applications

To sign up, subscribe for notifications.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have your say

Planning Applications:

Comments can be made on most planning applications. Online is the best method to comment as it makes sure we receive your comments quickly. It also allows us to protect your personal data more easily.

If you know the application you wish to comment on, use the following link to ‘view and comment on an application’. Enter an application reference or search for the application and then add your comment in the ‘comment’ tab of the relevant application. Guidance and advice on using our Planning and Building Control Application Search tool which includes facilities to comment on applications, can be found on our Planning Public Register.

There are alternative methods to submit your comments if online submission is not your preference. These are:

Email
Post: by letter to Planning Applications, Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford, TN23 1PL.
Make your views known to your Borough Councillor, Parish or Town Council.

If your preference is to submit a manual representation by post, please ensure you allow sufficient time for us to receive your comments before the deadline.

Speaking at Planning committee

Where an application decision is to be made by Planning Committee, there may be an opportunity to speak and make your comments known at the committee. Further guidance can be found on our dedicated Speaking at Planning Committee web page.