Answering your questions around planning

It is important to note that you must respond within 21 days of being notified. All responses must be through the correct channels otherwise they will not be considered.

The easiest way to look at a planning application and respond to it is through the public planning portal on the Gateshead Council website.

You can find an application through searching by a key word such as the name of the street, looking at the weekly and monthly lists of new applications, or by searching for an area on the map. You can then view the documents including drawings and reports about the proposed project. To see the documents, click on "Documents" under "Planning -- Application Summary", then "View associated documents". You will then see a list of all the public documents that have been submitted and the date they were added to the portal.

You will need to create an account in order to submit a comment if you don't already have one. If you create an account, you can track the progress of an application by clicking the yellow star labelled "track" on the summary page.

You can also respond by post to: Development Management, Gateshead Council, Civic Centre, Regent Street, Gateshead NE8 1HH

Or by email to planning@gateshead.gov.uk

Planning applications can be rejected for a variety of reasons, called “material planning considerations”. Some common ones are:

• Loss of light
• Overlooking and loss of privacy
• Visual amenity
• Adequacy of parking and road access
• Noise and disturbance resulting from use
• Layout and density of building
• Design and appearance of building

However, many of the reasons why someone might be concerned about a development cannot be considered. These include:

• Loss of value to your property
• Loss of view
• Disruption during construction
• Time taken for construction or other work

You can find more details about valid objections here. The planning process is explained in greater detail here.