This Fact sheet is about complaints about planning applications. It should be read together with our ‘How to Complain‘ webpage, available on the ‘Making A Complaint’ tab.
The Council is the local planning authority for its area (in some areas this is a function of a National Park Authority). Planning authorities are responsible for making decisions and taking action about various planning matters. They have to work within the law, government guidance and the authority’s own policy. The Ombudsman may be able to help you with your complaint against a planning authority.
He can look at whether there is something wrong in the way in which the Council went about deciding an application for a neighbouring development. This can include the failure to:
He cannot look at:
He is unlikely to look at your complaint if it relates to private matters between you and your neighbour – e.g. boundary disputes.
The Ombudsman cannot overturn the decision or demolish the development even if you are affected, but, if your complaint is upheld, he will consider other ways of reducing any effect on you.
Planning Aid Wales can give helpful information on planning matters. You can contact them via phone on 029 2062 5000 or via the internet at www.planningaidwales.org.uk
Planning information can also be obtained at http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/wales/public
The Council’s own website may also contain information about some planning matters.
The Ombudsman is independent and impartial; he cannot order public bodies to do what he recommends – but, in practice, they almost always do. Examples of cases that the Ombudsman has looked at can be found on our website, under the ‘Publications’ tab on the ‘Our Findings’ & ‘The Ombudsman’s Casebook’ pages.
If you are unsure whether the Ombudsman would be able to look into your complaint, please contact us on 0300 790 0203 or ask@ombudsman.wales