Material planning considerations

Use the table of contents to find out more about material planning considerations.

WHAT ARE MATERIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS?

Material planning considerations (MPCs) are matters that can and should be taken into account when making planning decisions. 

By law, planning decisions should be made in accordance with the development plan* unless MPCs indicate otherwise. 

*That’s the Local Plan and, if adopted, the Neighbourhood Plan. It may also be supported by supplementary local planning documents (SPDs) such as a design guide.

This means that if enough MPCs weigh in favour of your development, it should be approved even if it conflicts with a local planning policy. It’s worth knowing what MPCs are so you can increase your chances of getting planning permission.

WHAT DO MATERIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS INCLUDE?

MPCs differ in each case. What is “material” to one planning application (or appeal) may be quite different to what is “material” in other cases. 

For example, if your development is far away from heritage assets – like Conservation Areas or listed buildings – its effect on the historic environment is unlikely to be an MPC. If your development is at the heart of a Conservation Area, however, this is likely to be one of the most significant MPCs. 

Common material planning considerations

Although there is no exhaustive list, all matters in the table below are capable of being MPCs.

Parking, traffic and road safety
Previous planning decisions
Noise
Overlooking and loss of privacy
Loss of light and overshadowing
Historic environment
Design and appearance
Wildlife and nature conservation

Not material planning considerations

The matters in the table below are not capable of being MPCs in any circumstances.

Loss of property value
Loss of a view
Loss of trade
Ownership and boundary disputes
Construction noise and disturbance

WHEN DO I NEED TO THINK ABOUT MATERIAL PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS?

All planning applications involve MPCs. They are most relevant, however, if your development does not comply with the development plan. If enough MPCs weigh in favour of your development, you can overcome this conflict.

Do you have a development in mind that your local council may resist? Contact us today to find out how you could maximise the chances of gaining planning permission.

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WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

Unfortunately, guidance on MPCs is quite limited. However, you can read what the government’s Planning Portal has to say about them here:

Planning Portal guidance

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Contact us now about your planning problem. Our initial advice is completely free of charge (if you already own or lease the property).

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