Write a representation
A clear structure and sample paragraphs you can adapt. Keep it short, specific and factual.
Prefer a guided form?
Use the letter generator to fill in the details and copy a complete representation in one go.
Before you start
- Find the application on the council planning portal (or via our map) and note the reference number and address.
- Check the consultation deadline — late comments are often still accepted but may carry less weight.
- Skim the key documents (location plan, design and access statement, planning statement) so you can say something specific about the scheme.
- Decide whether you support it outright or support it subject to conditions (e.g. design tweaks, affordable housing, transport mitigation).
Suggested structure
1. State who you are and what you support
Open clearly. Officers need to know this is a support comment, not an objection.
“I am a local resident / worker / supporter of better housing supply and I wish to support planning application [REFERENCE] at [ADDRESS].”
2. Housing need (material consideration)
Link the scheme to the wider need for homes. Use national figures from the Evidence Hub and local figures if you have them.
“England has more than 1.3 million households on social housing waiting lists and delivered only around 208,600 net additional dwellings in 2024–25 — well below the pace required to meet assessed need. This scheme would make a positive contribution to local housing supply.”
3. Why this scheme is appropriate (be specific)
Pick two or three points that fit the application: location, design, mix of homes, brownfield use, access to public transport, affordable housing offer, sustainability.
“The site is well located for [public transport / local services / employment]. The proposed design appears to respond to the surrounding context. The inclusion of affordable / social homes is particularly welcome given local need.”
Adapt this — only claim what you can reasonably say from the documents.
4. Address concerns constructively (optional)
If neighbours raise infrastructure or design points, you can note that mitigation and conditions exist for a reason — without dismissing genuine issues.
“Concerns about infrastructure and character should be addressed through good design and appropriate developer contributions. They do not remove the need for more homes in this area.”
5. Close clearly
“I support this application subject to appropriate design and affordable housing provision. I ask the Council to grant permission.”
Full sample (short version)
I wish to support planning application [REFERENCE] at [ADDRESS].
England has more than 1.3 million households on social housing waiting lists and delivered only around 208,600 net additional dwellings in 2024–25 — well below the pace required to meet assessed need. This scheme would make a positive contribution to local housing supply.
The site appears suitable for residential development and the proposal would help address local need for homes, including affordable housing where proposed. Concerns about design and infrastructure can and should be managed through conditions and contributions; they are not a reason to refuse much-needed supply.
I support the application subject to appropriate design and affordable housing provision, and ask the Council to grant permission.
Copy, personalise, and submit via the council’s planning portal. Always include the application reference.
Practical tips
- • One page is enough for most comments.
- • Put the application reference in the subject line or first sentence.
- • Avoid copying the same text as dozens of others word-for-word if you can personalise slightly — but a clear template is still far better than silence.
- • Submit before the deadline; keep a copy or screenshot of your submission.
- • If the application goes to committee, consider registering to speak (see the Speaking guide).