FAQs
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Objector is the UK’s only multi-model AI-powered platform that empowers individuals and communities with the tools and expertise to challenge property planning applications. We level the playing field, making the objection process faster, smarter, and more effective without paying thousands in consultancy fees.
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Objector uses a three-model AI system trained specifically on UK national planning policy and local development plans. Each model independently analyses planning application documents, then the results are cross-checked for accuracy and consistency.
This layered approach helps identify valid objection grounds a single model might miss, while ensuring outputs are evidence-based and supported by relevant planning policy references — so you can focus on the arguments that matter most.
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We currently analyse Full Planning Applications and Outline Planning Applications.
We cannot currently help with Appeals or Reserved Matters.
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Outline planning application
If the proposal is for a large development but doesn’t include detailed plans, it’s likely an outline application.
An outline application:
✔️ Confirms the type of development (e.g. housing, mixed-use)
✔️ Leaves key details like design, layout and scale for later (“Reserved Matters”)
✔️ Requires further applications before full plans are approvedOn the council’s planning portal, look for:
✔️ Terms like “Outline Application” or “Outline Planning Permission”
✔️ Mentions of “all matters reserved” or similar
✔️ No detailed drawings (no elevations, layouts, or floorplans)Full planning application
If you can see detailed designs, it’s likely a full application.
A full application:
✔️ Includes complete plans and drawings (layouts, elevations, floorplans)
✔️ Covers design, scale and appearance upfront
✔️ Is the final proposal for approvalQuick rule of thumb:
No detailed plans = likely outline
Full designs included = full application.If you’re still not sure, email your council’s planning department to check, or send the planning application number to support@objector.ai
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Objector.ai is purpose-built for planning objections. We don't just generate text - we deliver a complete objection workflow based on those issues that the applicant will most struggle to mitigate, through our impact ranking system - something general AI platforms will not do.
Crucially, single AI platforms can't replicate our multi-model analysis approach. We run three different AI systems simultaneously to catch objection grounds that a single AI might miss. This isn't possible with ChatGPT or similar platforms where you're limited to one AI model at a time. File size limitations mean you would also have to pay for premium access.
Your documents are analysed, prioritised, and stored in one secure place. You generate an objection letters with detailed policy citations, councillor lobbying videos tailored to your case, and committee speeches crafted for planning meetings. Most importantly, you don't need to master prompt engineering or spend hours formatting documents. We handle everything - from upload to ready-to-submit materials - saving you time, effort, and uncertainty.
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All three AI systems independently rank each objection ground based on which grounds are the hardest to mitigate, and Objector provides the final ranking.
HIGH IMPACT indicates grounds that applicants will find extremely difficult to address (highway safety violations, inadequate parking, conservation area impacts, etc.)
MEDIUM IMPACT covers grounds that pose significant challenges that may be addressable (design quality issues, amenity impacts, etc.).
LOW IMPACT identifies grounds that present minor obstacles for the applicant (documentation gaps, minor environmental concerns etc.).
The ranking considers the planning application documents against relevant planning policies. This system helps you prioritise the most powerful objections first, to maximise your chances of successfully defeating the planning application.
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Our free analysis checks all valid material objection grounds to identify potential policy issues. If no grounds are identified, this may indicate the application complies with planning policies. We tell you this for free, and recommend that you do not proceed to unlock the objection toolkit.
In cases where our analysis identifies only low-impact objection grounds, we may provide the complete analysis report and objection letter at no charge on request, to support residents who wish to participate in the planning process. See our Terms of Service for full details and email support@objector.ai to make your request.
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No, they are powered by three AI models for maximum accuracy. Objector empowers individuals and communities with affordable tools to challenge property planning applications, without paying consultancy fees. This service does not constitute professional planning advice, and we do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any AI-generated analysis.
Before relying on our outputs in formal objections or submissions, you should satisfy yourself—or seek advice from a qualified solicitor or planning professional—as to their accuracy and relevance.
Objector is a planning policy analysis tool designed to help residents prepare objection materials. We created Objector to support those who wish to challenge planning applications but may not have access to traditional professional services.
Objector is not a registered legal or planning consultancy, and does not provide regulated advice. We do not offer legal or planning services, and our outputs should not be treated as formal guidance. Users should always consult a qualified professional where accuracy, compliance, or formal representation is required.
About Objector & How It Works
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Full Planning Applications & Outline Planning Applications
Official planning documents from the applicant
To find these:
Go to your local council’s planning portal
Enter the planning application number (found on the planning application notice)
Download all documents submitted by the applicant
Ensure your documents are:
Official – downloaded directly from the council planning portal
Relevant – linked to the specific planning application number
Applicant’s Documents – DO NOT include Public comments/objections, neighbour responses, Parish council comments, internal council notes, consultation responses
Unmodified – the original files, without changes
Outline Planning Applications
You will also need to upload your Local Development Plan - likely to be several documents
To find these:
1. Search your council website
Google:
“[Your council name] local plan”
Look for:
Planning Policy
Local Plan
Development Plan
2. Identify key documents
Core Strategy / Local Plan
Policies map
Development management policies
Site allocations
These are often separate PDFs — that’s normal.
3. Check for a Neighbourhood Plan
Some areas have additional local policies created by the community.
These:
Carry legal weight
Must be considered in decisions
Finding the right application documents and Local Development Plan documents is time-consuming, but it is essential to ensure you are basing your objection on the correct information.
If you are not sure that you have the correct documents, email your local planning department or read our comprehensive guide.
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Objector automatically analyses planning applications against the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which sets out national planning rules.
However, planning decisions are not made on national policy alone.
Every application is primarily assessed against the local development plan — the set of policies adopted by the council for that specific area. These local policies often include detailed requirements on issues like design, housing mix, heritage, transport, and environmental impact.
Why this matters
If we only assess an application against national policy:
We may miss local policy conflicts that could form strong, valid objections
We may overlook site-specific rules or allocations
The analysis may not reflect how the council will actually make its decision
By uploading the Local Plan and related documents, you enable Objector to:
Identify policy breaches at both national and local level
Surface stronger, more targeted objections
Align the analysis with how planning officers assess applications in practice
Without local policy, the analysis is not complete.
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Most planning applications are in PDF format. We also support Word documents (DOC, DOCX), Excel files (XLS, XLSX), and image files (JPG, JPEG, TIF, TIFF).
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Full Planning Applications
100 files per analysis
Maximum limit of 80MB across all files
Individual flat files up to 25MB each
One ZIP file up to 25MB maximum (but the contents must be below 80MB)
For Full Planning Applications over 80MB, please email support@objector.ai for assistance.
Outline Planning Applications
250 files per case
Maximum limit of 1GB across all files
Individual flat files up to 100 MB each.
One ZIP file up to 25MB maximum (but the contents must be below 1GB)
We recommend you unzip all files prior to upload for best results.
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Please email support@objector.ai as we may be able to assist.
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The following documents will not be analysed - discharge of conditions planning documents, planning appeal documents, pre-application consultations.