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Public speaking at Planning Committee

We run a public speaking scheme for our planning committees. It applies to planning applications that are due to be decided by one of the Planning Committees and where we have received five or more letters of support or five or more letters of objection, from at least five separate addresses by the deadline specified for representations.

Where an application triggers the public speaking scheme, all those who have submitted written representations will be notified and invited to register to speak at the relevant committee meeting.

There will be a maximum of three slots on each eligible application, as follows:

  • 1 person speaking in objection to the application
  • 1 person speaking in support of the application (usually the applicant or their agent)
  • 1 person speaking on behalf of the relevant town or parish council.

Slots will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. All applications to speak must have been registered no later than noon on the Friday preceding the planning committee meeting (usually on a Wednesday).

The registered speaker may appoint another person to speak on their behalf, or to share their time with other speakers.

Speakers can either join the meeting in person or remotely by Zoom. Meetings are held in the Council Chamber, The Burys, Godalming.  Instructions will be sent to all speakers before the meeting by Democratic Services.

The chairman will invite the planning case officer to introduce their report and make a short presentation. The chairman will then invite the public speakers to make their statements

The objector speaks first, then the supporter followed by a representative from the Town or Parish Council (if appointed), and finally the ward councillor. The ward councillor may also be given a further four minutes ‘right of reply’ following the debate.

Speakers must confine their statement to relevant material planning issues. There is no opportunity to display maps, photographs, circulate documents or ask questions of others at the meeting.

If a decision on an application is deferred, any objectors or supporters registered to speak on that item will have the opportunity to speak again when the item is brought back to a future committee. If they do not wish to speak, there will be an opportunity for others to register in line with the normal procedure.

Applications will not be deferred because of the absence of an objector or supporter, or other person who has registered to speak.

Our meetings are webcast for those who wish to view the meeting but are not speaking. For any questions about how the scheme operates, please contact Democratic Services:

Tel: 01483 523258 or 523027

Email: committees@waverley.gov.uk

To watch meetings online visit:

Waverley Borough Council - watch council meetings online