Richmond Planning Objections

Planning Support for Objecting to Planning Applications in Richmond

Richmond upon Thames is one of London’s most sensitive and tightly controlled boroughs, characterised by extensive conservation areas, village-scale development, riverside locations, and significant areas of Metropolitan Green Belt.

Whether you are a homeowner, neighbour, residents’ association or local business, Cedar Planning prepares clear, policy-led planning objections that Richmond Council must take into account when determining applications.

Our role is to ensure your concerns are expressed clearly, proportionately and in line with Richmond’s planning policies.

Why Planning Objections in Richmond Require Specialist Local Knowledge

Planning objections in Richmond are often assessed against:

• the Richmond Local Plan

• Green Belt policy and openness tests

• conservation area appraisals

• listed building and heritage legislation

• landscape and tree protection policies

• the London Plan

Development proposals in Richmond frequently involve extensions, replacement dwellings, riverside sites or development within sensitive village settings, where even small changes can have a significant impact.

At Cedar Planning, we understand how Richmond planning officers and committees assess harm to character, openness and heritage, and how to present objections that carry genuine weight.

Valid Reasons to Object to a Planning Application in Richmond

You may have grounds to object where a proposal would result in unacceptable harm, including:

• Loss of light or outlook in low-density residential settings

• Overlooking and loss of privacy, particularly in village environments

• Extensions or replacement dwellings that appear overbearing or out of character

• Harm to conservation areas or listed buildings

• Inappropriate development in the Green Belt affecting openness

• Impact on trees, landscape or riverside character

• Increased traffic or parking pressure in constrained streets

• Commercial or intensified uses causing disturbance

Not all objections are valid in planning terms. At Cedar Planning we focus exclusively on material planning considerations, ensuring objections are relevant, proportionate and effective.

Learn more about our Planning Objections service.

What Cedar Planning Can Do for Your Richmond Planning Objection

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

1. Initial Case Review

   • Assessment of drawings, planning statements, site context and planning history.

2. Advice on Valid Grounds for Objection

   • Clear guidance on which concerns carry weight under Richmond policy, including Green Belt, heritage and landscape considerations.

3. Professional Written Objection

   • A structured objection letter referencing the Richmond Local Plan, conservation guidance and relevant London Plan policies.

4. Support for Neighbour and Community Groups

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

5. Planning Committee Support

   • Preparation of speaking notes or strategic advice where decisions are taken by councillors.

Our Process

• You provide the planning reference and your concerns

• We review the proposal and identify planning issues

• We advise on the strength of potential objections

• We prepare a professional written objection

• We support you through amendments or committee stages if required

Why Use Cedar Planning for Your Richmond Objection?

• Policy-led objections written in professional planning language

• Experience with Richmond Local Plan, Green Belt and conservation policies

• Clear, structured representations officers and councillors can rely on

• Time saved navigating technical drawings and reports

• A constructive, outcome-focused approach

Richmond Planning Objections - Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to object to a planning application in Richmond?

Richmond Council typically allows 21 days for comments. For Prior Approval applications, deadlines are strict and late objections may not be considered.

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

Loss of light, loss of privacy, harm to character or openness, Green Belt impact, heritage harm, tree loss, landscape impact and parking pressure are common valid grounds.

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?

Richmond publishes representations online, usually including your name and address. Personal contact details are removed.

Contact Cedar Planning – Free Appraisal

If you are concerned about a development proposal in Richmond upon Thames, contact Cedar Planning for a no-obligation appraisal of your planning objection.