This isn't a complicated process (WE'VE INCLUDED A DOWNLOAD LINK FOR DRAFT OBJECTIONS FURTHER DOWN ON THIS PAGE, next to this symbol: !), and you can write in plain English, don't feel the need to quote endless council regulations and policies. 

Also, please don't feel that you have to write pages and pages - in fact, it's likely that the committee and case officer won't fully read a " War and Peace" length objection. Keep it short(ish), 1 to 5 pages, and to the point - including pictures. 

Your starting point is a thorough read of the application (We have included all the application attachments on the Key Links and Docs page), and then, if you have the energy, and about 72 hours to spare (In all seriousness, we've included these for reference, as they are quite a tough read, if you don't work in planning):

• The Romford Masterplan
• The Havering Local Plan
• The London Plan
• National Planning Policy Framework.

So use your local knowledge.

The Strategic Planning Committee

Because Como Street falls within a strategic development zone, the application will be heard by the Strategic Planning Committee, consisting of:

• Councillor Reg Whitney  (Chairman)
• Councillor Robby Misir  (Vice-Chair)
• Councillor Ray Best
• Councillor Jane Keane
• Councillor John Crowder
• Councillor Timothy Ryan

You may not contact these councillors directly to lobby them, but you can contact any of your other ward councillors about the application.

FIND YOUR COUNCILLOR HERE

Object Online, By Email or By Post

You have until Thursday 11th September to object,  but please don't leave it until the last minute.

Online is easiest and quickest, just click the application link, and the enter comment button is right in the centre of the top row of toggles/options. 

You must complete your full name and address in the fields provided; you cannot object anonymously. It's important you write something more substantial than " I object". More on that later!

By Email

You can object by email to: planning@havering.gov.uk  using the application reference P0897.25 as the subject line, you must include your name, home address, the application reference and make it clear you are objecting.

By Post

And finally, you can go old school and write a letter of objection, you must include the reference P0897.25,  your name and home address,  date it, and make it clear you are objecting. 

Send it to: Planning Department,  London Borough of Havering, Town Hall, Main Road, Romford, RM1 3BB

Please note that under the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, your comments, including your name and address, are open to inspection by the public, and in the event of an appeal, may be referred to the Secretary of State.

What To Say

So the key here is to stick to material planning concerns, things that the committee will consider. Here's  a list of subjects that aren't material considerations:

• Loss of a Private View
• Loss in Property Value 
• Competition Between Businesses
• Emotions or Political Statements
• Hearsay about other unspecified work or alternative uses of the application site (unless covered by the application)

And that just leaves you:

• Impact on Local Environment: Concerns about pollution, loss of trees, or negative impacts on nature conservation.
• Impact On Local Infrastructure: Concerns about policing and crime, health services, public transport and provision of education.
• Traffic, Parking, and Access: Issues with highway safety, increased traffic, or inadequate parking facilities.
• Residential Amenities: Loss of privacy, light, overshadowing, or increased noise and disturbance from the proposed development.
• Design and Appearance: The proposed building's height, bulk, materials, or whether it fits into the character and appearance of the area.
• Impact on Heritage and Conservation: Concerns about the effect on a listed building or the character of a conservation area.
• Compliance with Policy: Whether the proposal aligns with established Local Plans and national planning policies.

But most importantly, use your local knowledge - it's your best advantage. Take photos and source whatever local info you can find to support your points, and attach them to your objections.

! DRAFT OBJECTIONS (click the title to the left to download the file) Here are some suggested points you can use in your objections. Feel free to use them as the basis for your objection, add your local knowledge and any evidence (like photos).  Or if you wish create  your own, but steer clear of non-material considerations.

Personalise Your Object Points

So for example if you wanted to say: 

Example 1

The proposed development will have an adverse effect on local health services. Many of our GP surgeries and dentists are not accepting new NHS patients, and an urgent review and upgrade of healthcare provision is needed for Romford. 

Add your local knowledge:

Recently LBH refused an application to expand one of the largest surgeries in the borough in North St, and the Mawney RD Dental Clinic is not accepting new patients.

Example 2

The proposed design has no connection to the existing built environment,  consisting of rows of terraced and semi detached houses. It is unsympathetic, and alters the character of an established area. The design has little  in common with the multi coloured concrete jungle across the roundabout in St Edwards Way, or the housing in Como and Linden St.

Add your local knowledge

Maybe include some pictures like these: