Speak at committee
Many applications are decided by planning committee. A calm, three-minute support speech can balance a room full of objections.
How public speaking usually works
- Most councils allow a fixed time — often 3 minutes per speaker (sometimes shared if several people support the same side).
- You must register in advance — check the committee agenda page or the planning officer’s report for the deadline (often 24–48 hours before the meeting).
- Speakers for and against are usually heard before members debate and vote. The chair controls the meeting; follow their directions.
- Rules vary by council. Always check the local authority’s “speaking at planning committee” page for exact process.
What to say in three minutes
Aim for one page of notes, spoken slowly. Structure beats length.
0:00–0:20 — Who you are
“Chair, members — my name is [Name]. I am a local resident / supporter of this application and I am speaking in favour of [REFERENCE / address].”
0:20–1:20 — Need
One or two facts: national shortfall, local waiting lists, or affordability. “We are not building enough homes. Supporting deliverable schemes like this is how the gap closes.”
1:20–2:20 — This scheme
Two specific positives from the proposal (location, design, affordable homes, brownfield, transport). Show you have looked at the application.
2:20–3:00 — Close
“Infrastructure and design concerns can be managed through conditions and contributions. I ask you to grant permission.” Then stop — do not overrun.
Sample script (~3 minutes)
Chair, members — thank you for the time. I am speaking in support of application [REFERENCE] at [ADDRESS].
England is short of homes. Waiting lists for social housing run to over a million households, and last year we added only around 208,000 net new dwellings against a need closer to 300,000 a year. Every deliverable scheme matters.
This proposal would add homes in a location that can support them. [Add one sentence on design, affordable housing, or transport from the documents.]
I recognise neighbours’ concerns about character and services. Those should be addressed through good design and proper contributions — not by refusing supply we clearly need. I ask the committee to grant permission.
Do
- • Register on time
- • Practise once out loud
- • Address the chair and members
- • Stick to material planning points
- • Finish early if you can
Don’t
- • Attack objectors or councillors
- • Read a long letter at full speed
- • Rely only on “we need homes” with no link to this site
- • Bring new evidence members have not seen unless allowed
- • Overrun your slot