Find step-by-step guidance for submitting planning comments and an accessible overview of the government's decisions on Disabled Facilities Grant allocations and next steps
How to take part in planning decisions — and why the DFG review matters
Quick hook
Planning isn’t just for developers and councillors — it’s where neighbourhoods are shaped and where money for home adaptations gets decided. A short, well‑written comment on an application can influence design, accessibility and even how councils prioritise Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) budgets.
Here’s how to make your voice count and what the national DFG review could mean for local adaptations.
How to comment on planning applications (plain and practical)
– Who can comment: Anyone — residents, neighbours, community groups or local organisations.
– How to send comments: Use the council’s planning portal, email the planning inbox, or post a written response to the Planning Department.
For Mid Sussex you can use the online planning register, email [email protected], or post to: Planning Department Oaklands Road Haywards Heath West Sussex RH16 1SS
– What to include: the application reference number, your full name and address, a short summary of your points and whether you support or object.
Stick to “material planning considerations” — things like design, access, traffic, noise, or loss of privacy — rather than personal disputes.
– Timing and follow‑up: Councils set consultation windows; if the deadline has passed, contact the case officer to ask if late comments are accepted. Keep a copy of your submission and note the application reference so you can track responses and any committee dates.
– If it goes to committee: Major or contentious proposals are often decided by the planning committee. If you’ve commented, the council should notify you of the meeting date, and you may have the chance to speak.
Make your comments meaningful
– Be concise and evidence‑based: cite local planning policies or specific problems (e.g., “loss of accessible parking” or “blocking daylight to ground‑floor windows”).
– Provide local context: explain how the proposal affects people who need adaptations, or how it changes the supply of accessible housing.
– Offer constructive suggestions: propose reasonable mitigation measures — for example, adjusted access ramps, step‑free entrances or retained parking spaces.
How planning links to DFG funding
Local planning decisions influence housing stock, accessibility and the scale of demand for adaptations. The Disabled Facilities Grant is the funding stream councils use to pay for major adaptations (ramps, stairlifts, bathroom works) that help disabled people live safely and independently. When national allocation methods change, that affects how much money councils get — and therefore how quickly adaptations can be approved and delivered.
What the national review of DFG allocations means (in a nutshell)
Government has been reviewing the way DFG money is distributed to local authorities to make allocations reflect current demand and costs better. Key themes in the proposed changes include:
– Using more up‑to‑date, localised data (for example, child disability claim data or local cost indices) so funding aligns with where need is.
– Factoring in local build‑cost differences through recognised price indices to avoid one‑size‑fits‑all allocations that underfund areas with higher costs.
– Phasing changes in to reduce shocks for councils and protect ongoing delivery.
These proposals aim to reduce waiting lists and target funding where it’s most needed, but they also require careful transition planning so councils don’t face sudden cash shortfalls.
Practical steps for residents worried about adaptations
– When commenting on planning applications, flag accessibility impacts clearly and explain any potential impacts on local people who need adaptations.
– If you or someone you represent needs an adaptation, contact your council’s housing adaptations or adult social care team to check DFG eligibility and how waiting lists work.
– Build local evidence: collect examples, case studies and local statistics that show unmet need — this can strengthen local advocacy during budget decisions or consultations.
What councils should do now (practical checklist)
– Update forecasts and procurement timetables to reflect any upcoming changes in allocations or indices used in the formula.
– Use scenario planning: test budgets under different funding outcomes and set triggers for reforecasting.
– Standardise documentation: prepare needs-assessment templates, cost schedules and procurement justifications to speed up approvals and reduce audit risk.
– Strengthen partnerships: improve data‑sharing with health teams and local partners to make sure need is visible and referral‑to‑assessment times are tracked.
– Maintain a single point of contact for departmental updates and cascade new guidance promptly.
Governance, accountability and compliance
– Require standardised reporting and independent checks on allocations and outcomes.
– Link funding decisions to measurable outcomes — for example, reduced delayed hospital discharges, shorter waiting times for adaptations, or higher independent‑living rates.
– Keep clear procurement and contract records to demonstrate value for money during audits.
What to expect from government (high level)
The direction of travel is towards a methodology that uses more recent datasets and recognised cost indices, with an emphasis on phased implementation to protect service continuity. That means councils should prepare for revised allocations over time, rather than an immediate wholesale redistribution.
Final practical tips
– If you’re commenting on a planning application: be specific, evidence‑based and succinct. Note the application reference and keep a copy.
– If you’re dealing with DFGs: talk to your council early, document need clearly and track any national guidance about eligibility and allocations.
– If you represent a local group or service: gather local examples and data to feed into consultations — well-documented local evidence often shapes policy and budgets.
How to comment on planning applications (plain and practical)
– Who can comment: Anyone — residents, neighbours, community groups or local organisations.
– How to send comments: Use the council’s planning portal, email the planning inbox, or post a written response to the Planning Department. For Mid Sussex you can use the online planning register, email [email protected], or post to: Planning Department Oaklands Road Haywards Heath West Sussex RH16 1SS
– What to include: the application reference number, your full name and address, a short summary of your points and whether you support or object. Stick to “material planning considerations” — things like design, access, traffic, noise, or loss of privacy — rather than personal disputes.
– Timing and follow‑up: Councils set consultation windows; if the deadline has passed, contact the case officer to ask if late comments are accepted. Keep a copy of your submission and note the application reference so you can track responses and any committee dates.
– If it goes to committee: Major or contentious proposals are often decided by the planning committee. If you’ve commented, the council should notify you of the meeting date, and you may have the chance to speak.0
