Help writing your response

You do not need to be an expert to have your say.

Writing an email or letter can feel daunting, especially when the proposals and planning process are complicated. You do not need a long letter or technical language. A short email explaining your own concerns is a good starting point.

What should I write?

Use these questions to help put your thoughts into words:

• Which proposal are you writing about?
• Where do you live, or how do you know the area?
• What concerns you most? Choose one or two issues.
• Why does that matter to you? Explain any relevant experience or local knowledge.
• What do you want to happen? Make your request clear.

Write your answers as a few short paragraphs. You do not have to cover every issue, and your writing does not have to be perfect.

Our Impact page explains some of the concerns these developments raise. Use it to help you understand the issues, then describe what matters to you in your own words.

Make it your own

Your knowledge of this area matters. You may know about a water supply, a regularly flooded road, wildlife, a historic feature, a footpath or a local business that could be affected.

Be specific where you can. Explain where something is and what you have observed. If you are unsure about a potential effect, ask for it to be investigated.

Please avoid simply copying someone else’s objection. Your own experience explains why the proposal matters to you.

Who should I write to?

This depends on your purpose and the stage the proposal has reached.

• The developer : to ask questions, raise concerns or respond to its consultation.
• Your elected representatives : to explain how the proposals could affect you and ask them to take action.
• Your community council : to make sure it knows your views and local information.
• Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) : when it is inviting comments on the relevant case, following the published instructions.

When there is an opportunity to respond, check the recipient, response method and closing date. Do not assume that comments sent to a developer or politician will also be registered as a formal representation to PEDW.

Contact details are available on our Who’s Who page. You can also use WriteToThem to find your elected representatives.

Identify the proposal

Always name the proposal you are writing about. If you are writing to PEDW, include its case reference in your email subject line.

The references identify the cases. They do not mean that all of them are currently open for comments.

See our Project Proposals page for the map and links to developers’ websites.

Should I complete a consultation questionnaire?

If a consultation provides a questionnaire or response form, you can use it to put your views on record.

Read the questions carefully and use any space for additional comments to explain concerns that the questions do not cover. If you need more room, check whether the consultation accepts a separate email or document.

Keep a copy of what you submit.

Should I copy anyone else?

You may wish to copy your email to your community council or relevant elected representatives so they know what you have raised.

You can add:

“I am copying this email to my community council so that it is aware of my concerns.”

Copying others does not replace sending your response to the recipient specified for the consultation.

Before you send

Check that you have:

• Named the correct proposal.
• Included the case reference if writing to PEDW.
• Explained your concerns and what you are asking for.
• Included your full name and any address or other details required by the consultation.
• Used the correct recipient and checked the deadline.
• Saved a copy of your response.

A straightforward email is usually enough where email responses are accepted. You do not need to turn it into a PDF unless the instructions require one.

Keep informed

Our mailing list provides occasional updates when a proposal reaches an important stage.

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