London Planning Objections - Professional Planning Consultants

Planning Support for Objecting to Planning Applications Across London

London has one of the most complex planning systems in the UK. With 32 London boroughs, the City of London, and strategic policies set by the Mayor of London, navigating the objections process can feel overwhelming for homeowners, businesses and community groups.

Whether you are a neighbour affected by development, a residents’ association, a local business, or a community group, Cedar Planning prepares clear, policy-led planning objections that London councils are required to take into account when determining applications.

Our role is to ensure your concerns are presented in a way that carries weight in planning terms.

Why Planning Objections in London Are Different

Planning objections in London are assessed not only against individual borough Local Plans, but also against the London Plan and, in some cases, strategic considerations overseen by the Greater London Authority (GLA).

Higher development densities, constrained sites, extensive conservation areas, listed buildings, and competing land uses mean that objections must be focused, evidence-based and grounded in policy to influence outcomes.

At Cedar Planning, we understand how London planning officers and committees assess objections and how to present arguments that align with their decision-making framework.

Specialist Support for London Planning Objections

A well-prepared planning objection can make a genuine difference to the outcome of an application.

At Cedar Planning, we:

• review the planning proposal in detail

• assess relevant borough policies and the London Plan

• identify material planning considerations

• prepare clear, structured representations

Our objections highlight where proposals conflict with planning policy, design guidance or accepted standards of residential amenity.

Valid Reasons to Object to a Valid Reasons to Object to a Planning Application in London

You may wish to object to a planning application in London where a proposal would negatively affect your property, business or local area. Common planning grounds include:

• Extensions that result in loss of light or overshadowing

• Overlooking from windows, terraces or balconies

• Additional storeys causing overbearing or dominant impacts

• Developments that are out of character with their surroundings

• HMOs, commercial uses or late-night premises causing disturbance

• Increased traffic, parking stress or unsafe access

• Harm to conservation areas, listed buildings or heritage assets

Not all concerns are relevant in planning terms. Cedar Planning focuses exclusively on material planning considerations, ensuring your objection is targeted, credible and effective.

Learn more about our Planning Objections service.

What Cedar Planning Can Do for Your Objection

We tailor our service to meet your needs, which may include:

1. Initial Case Review

   • A detailed assessment of the planning application, drawings, supporting documents and site context.

2. Advice on Valid Grounds for Objection

   • Clear guidance on which concerns carry weight in planning terms, such as amenity impact, heritage harm or policy conflict. This could be overshadowing, loss of employment land or Green Belt matters.

3. Professional Written Objection

   • A structured, persuasive objection letter with references to applicable London borough policies and the London Plan.

4. Support for Neighbour and Community Groups

   • Assisting residents’ associations and campaign groups to coordinate consistent, policy-led objections.

5. Planning Committee Support

   • Preparation of committee speech notes or support for attendees where an application is decided by councillors.

Our Process

• Send us the planning reference and a short summary of your concerns.

• We review the application documents and identify planning issues.

• We advise you on your options and the strength of potential objections.

• We prepare your objection, referencing relevant London planning policies.

• We support you through the process, including monitoring amendments or committee involvement if required.

Why Use Cedar Planning for Your London Objection?

• Policy-led arguments written in professional planning language

• Experience across all London boroughs and familiarity with local design guidance

• Clear, structured representations that officers and councillors can refer to

• Time saved navigating drawings, statements and technical documents

• A constructive, outcome-focused approach aimed at influencing amendments or refusals

London Boroughs We Cover

Cedar Planning prepares objections for all London councils, including:

Barking & Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington & Chelsea, Kingston, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, Westminster and the City of London.

We also advise on applications referable to the Mayor of London and the Greater London Authority (GLA).

London Planning Objections Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Long do I have to object to a planning application in London?

Most London councils allow around 21 days to submit comments on a planning application. Late comments may sometimes be accepted, but early submission is strongly recommended. If you are objecting to a neighbours Prior Approval application it is vitally important that you object on time, otherwise the Council are unable to take on board your concerns, or even the impact on you.

What are valid reasons for objecting to a planning application in London?

Valid reasons include loss of light, loss of privacy, overbearing impact, design and character issues, harm to heritage assets, noise and disturbance, traffic and parking concerns, and impacts on trees or biodiversity. We recommend that the reasons for objecting are specific to the application in question, and can advise accordingly.

Can anyone object to a planning application?

Yes. Anyone can comment on a planning application, but only material planning considerations will influence the decision. With this in mind, we always recommend producing focused planning objections.

Will my objection be published?

Most London councils publish representations online, including your name and address. Personal contact details, or other sensitive information, is typically removed.

Get a Free Quote

Fill out the form below to receive a no obligation quote or general advice for your London Planning Objection

Or alternatively, send us an email at info@cedarplanning.co.uk with the relevant information.