https://selfservice.daventrydc.gov.uk/swiftlg/apas/run/wphappcriteria.display

WND/2021/0851 – Ground floor -  Lawful Development Certificate

WND/2021/0834 – First floor -  Lawful Development Certificate

WND/2021/0491 – external alterations.

Should anyone wish to make representations to West Northamptonshire Council in relation to these applications, particularly in respect of the first 2 items, a process has been established. You should make your representations without delay and as soon as reasonably possible to devcontrol.ddc@westnorthants.gov.uk or alternatively the Parish Council can collate copies and forward them.

 

Objectors will need to submit an affidavit, which is broadly speaking a "Stat. Dec" (Statutory Declaration). This are normally signed in the presence of a Solicitor, and an indicative cost of this is approximately £10. Not all solicitors provide this service given the time/inconvenience of doing them.

 

It is possible that a 'mass signing' at the village hall could be arranged at a given time and date. Alternatively, you can contact the Law Society of England & Wales https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/ to find a solicitor.

 

A member of the Parish Council has spoken to a planning consultant on behalf of those who may wish to object. Their recommendation is not to use a generic template but for each person to prepare a document in their own words containing the following:

The planning application number/s

Who you are

Where you live (address)

How long you have lived there

How long you have been familiar with the building in question (Stag's Head/Thai Garden/Mango Lounge)

The use for which you understand the property to have been previously used

Any breaks in occupation you are aware of (i.e standing vacant)

Any evidence you can offer to its previous use such as newspaper clippings, any events that may have been held there, photos, web articles etc

You then need to "sign on oath" in the presence of an appropriate person as listed previously.

Some may wish to challenge the validity of the "evidence" put forward for the application: there are some short term/assured tenancy agreements that some may wish to review if there are any concerns over their validity and it could be argued that some lack the essential details of a normal agreement.
 

If anyone feels particularly strongly, a planning consultant would review their submission and return a "tracked changes" mark-up with suggestions. His costs are £135 per hour and he cannot give any further indication until he sees the document. Other planning consultants are of course available.

 

***Guidance is this note does not constitute legal advice, and is designed to give you an overview of how your representations/objections can be made: it is not intended to provide or replace proper legal or other professional advice.

 

If you need specific legal advice in relation to your own circumstances, please contact your own solicitor or use the link provided to find one (https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/). You should not make any decision or place any reliance based purely on the information here. To the extent permitted by law neither the author of this document or any member of the Parish Council will be held liable for any losses suffered by you whether directly or indirectly as a result of acting upon the information in this document.