In response to my comments that it was difficult to understand the decision that my amenity would not be affected by the proposed development ,when no information regarding what level of amenity I may reasonably expect was available from the Planning Authority

"Amenity in planning practice means a host of subjective considerations and is not defined. It can be the general visual and living environment and it can at the same time be the enjoyment of a single dwelling. It is one of several, sometimes many, considerations that have to be weighed when assessing a planning application"

As shown in the main page, not all LPA's view amenity in such a way and information may be available from BSI or other professional bodies. For example BS8206 Part 2 1992 - Code of practice for Daylighting and The Building Research Establishment's report 'Site Layout Planning for Daylight and Sunlight, A Guide to Good Practice' recommend minimum separation distance between dwellings in order that an acceptable amount of light is available. 


Of all the aspects of amenity, privacy is probably the most important to an objector. It is also the least well defined, at least by this Authority. The following link is most informative in respect of the Human Rights aspects of planning:

www.buildingconservation.com/articles/humanrights/humanrights.htm

If you believe that your privacy will be compromised by a development, write and say so, referring to Article 1 of the the First Protocol of the 1998 Human Rights Act. You are also entitled to a 'Fair and Public trial' of your civil rights under Article 6 of the same act. Stating this in writing should ensure that the application is considered by the full committee (and not delegated). At the same time, ask the authority to define your entitlement to privacy in order that you may prepare your objection.

Do not expect a reply though, as the Authority does not see communication with objectors as necessary. The following is from a letter from the Solicitor to the Council:

"Planning permissions are not the result of negotiations with objectors, but result from the excercise of a regulatory function whereby applications are assessed against criteria/ policies/guidance relevant to sustainable development. Negotiations may be occur between the planning officers and the applicant to overcome planning issues which impede development opportunities and these may be generated by the objections received from third parties"

Should anyone get an answer from them, please email me a copy, because I have tried for a considerable time to find my entitlement to privacy but all I get is vague waffle such as that shown above.