Did you know ?

Planning committees in the UK typically view petitions as a single objection, no matter how many signatures are on them. Here's how it generally works:

🔹 1. Petitions Are Counted as One Representation

Most local planning authorities will record a petition as one representation in the planning process. Even if it has 1500 signatures like ours, it is usually treated as a single objection, not 1500 individual ones. This is because each planning representation is typically counted per submission, not per name.
Decision-makers are interested in the material planning content of the submission, not just volume.

🔹 2. Weight Depends on Material Considerations

If a petition raises valid planning concerns (e.g. traffic, landscape harm, heritage impact), it can still carry weight — but it's the arguments, not the number of signatories, that matter most.

🔹 3. Individual Objections Are Stronger

Individual letters/emails of objection carry more weight than a bulk petition.
If all 1500 of us submit individual objections, this will be viewed as 1500 separate objections ! That said, this petition will still be effective as it demonstrates the breadth of concern and attract media or political attention.

➡️ How to object by email:

To:DCPLANNING@CHICHESTER.GOV.UK quoting
planning ref: 25/00658/FUL and your name and address

In your own words, raise concerns such as:

Traffic and safety or access issues

Harm to local landscape or wildlife
Noise and disruption
Impact on nearby homes, paths, or bridleways