Speak at Planning Committee

How speaking works

The number of speakers for each planning application is limited to three people or group representatives in favour and three people or group representatives against, plus:

• A representative of the parish council, Canterbury Heritage and Design Forum, or Whitstable Society (if the proposed development is in their area).
• A representative of an advisory, amenity group or resident association speaking for a proposal, and one against a proposal (the terms of reference must have a direct interest).
• The applicant or agent (but not both) who will have the opportunity to speak last. This protects at least one slot for the applicant or agent. Other slots are subject to availability if both want to speak.
• District councillors who are not members of the committee can speak about planning applications in their wards or immediately next to their wards. At the discretion of the Chair of the committee, other councillors whose wards might be affected by a planning application can be allowed to speak. District councillors will be heard immediately before the applicant or agent in the last slot.

All slots are allocated on a first come, first served basis once the agenda has been published. That's normally about a week before the meeting.

With the exception of elected representatives, only one person per household can speak, including people speaking on behalf of someone else (unless they have opposing views).

If more than three people want to speak in support or to object, the first three registered in each case will be able to speak. Those not speaking will be given the names of the relevant ward councillors to raise their points with.

Everyone speaking is strictly limited to three minutes. Nobody is allowed to speak more than once.

Speakers are allowed on a site visit at the discretion of the Chair, but will be restricted to identifying features of the area that are relevant to the application. No representation on the merits of the application are allowed. 

Everyone has a maximum of two opportunities to speak - for example, at two committee meetings or at one committee meeting and one site visit.

The applicant is always given the opportunity to speak last if they want to.

Ask to speak at Planning Committee

If there is a speaking slot available you can speak in person at the meeting for up to three minutes. You must register online to speak at Planning Committee or call 01227 862 009, no later than 12.30pm the working day before the meeting.

You will need to give the following information:

• your name and email address or phone number,
• whether you're in favour of or opposed to the planning application, and
• if you're speaking on behalf of an organisation or group - the name of it.

You can listen to a recording of Planning Committee meeting the next day.