Planning Applications – Increase to Objections Threshold in Runnymede

Following a vote at Full Council last month, Runnymede Borough Council have increased the threshold for when planning applications are automatically heard at the Planning Committee. It has increased from 3 or more objections received to 11 or more. "Whilst I understand that 3 objections is one of the lowest in Surrey," said Cllr Sylvia Whyte "I do not agree that we should have jumped from 3 to 11 overnight. I am concerned that residents will not get the opportunity to have their views heard and, whilst some of these applications may be seen as small, for instance comparing an extension to building 10 new homes, they can have a huge consequence for the resident with an objection. This feels like another example of the Conservative Administration finding ways to suppress the voices of our residents ".