View and comment on planning applications
Validation timescales
You can view our validation timescales here.
How to comment
The Online Planning Register is a Public Access system which allows you to see, track and comment on planning applications.
View the Online Planning Register User Guide to get started
We've created a short video on how to comment on planning applications.
- find a planning application at Simple Search using a keyword, reference number, postcode or single line of an address
- see the plans and supporting information submitted in the Documents screen
- make a comment through the comments screen. You will need to create an account and log in (see Public Access User Guide – below) to make a comment
- write your comment and click Submit
Please see Public Access User Guide for more information on using our online planning register.
What happens with your comment?
- Comments will be able to be seen by the public view, along with with your address. Personal information, such as name, telephone number and email address, will not be able to be seen. Please don’t include personal details as part of your comments.
- All comments will be looked at and considered by the Case Officer.
- If the application is reported to Planning Committee you will be invited to speak.
- You will be told when a decision is made.
- In the event of an appeal you will be told, and your comment will be passed to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration.
What should I say?
We can only take into account comments on certain matters. These include:
- design, how it looks and what it’s made of
- loss of light or overshadowing something else
- parking, road-related safety, traffic and public rights of way
- noise, fumes and smell
- effect on listed buildings or conservation areas
- nature conservation
For more details on what we can and can’t take into consideration, please see our Material planning considerations.
Historic (old) File request
Since 1948 planning permission has been required from the Local Planning Authority for any development of land.
There are no planning records from before 1948 and everything built before this is treated as an existing/original building for the purposes of planning.
Our more recent planning applications can be found through our Public Access System (Simple Search). From 2007 historical planning data from South Cambridgeshire District Council and from 2004 for Cambridge City Council can be found on Public Access. Historical data pre 2007 may also be available on Public Access, please check before completing the Historic file request form.
If you are unable to find the required documents, please complete our Historic File request form. An admin cost of £50 per application is applicable.
Please be aware that some documents that were part of the original file will no longer be available due to the requirements of our retention policy.
South Cambridgeshire District Council - Corporate Policy - Document Retention and Record Management
Cambridge City Council - Cambridge City Council - Retention Policy
To make a Historic file request, you will need to create a South Cambridgeshire customer account, even if you live outside the district.
Why are you are required to make a My South Cambs account?
Streamlined Application Process
By creating an account, you'll be able to navigate through the application process more easily. This ensures that we get all the necessary details in a structured way.
Capture Essential Details
Creating an account allows us to gather all the crucial information we need to help with your enquiry. This includes contact information and specific file request information.
Track Your Requests
Your account makes it easy for you to track the progress of your request, stay updated, see your previous submissions, and see any pending actions.