In planning terms, ‘amenity’ often refers to the quality or character of an area and elements that contribute to the overall enjoyment of an area. Residential amenity considers elements that are particularly relevant to the living conditions of a dwelling. Amenity is important to consider when making planning permission applications.
When planning permission is rejected on the grounds of loss of amenity, it means the proposed development will harm the amenity of another property, through the noise, overlooking, overshadowing, smells, light pollution, loss of daylight, loss of privacy, dust, vibration or late night activities. The planning authorities must support sustainable development. For this reason, when a proposed development poses a risk of loss of amenity of any type, the application is likely to be rejected.