A material consideration, in the United Kingdom, is a factor relevant to the development and use of land which the decision-maker should consider when assessing and deciding the outcome of a planning application.
[1][2] Material considerations include issues such as traffic, wildlife, economic impacts, and the character, landscape and/or historical interest of the area.
Issues such as loss of a view, or an effect on property or business values, are not material considerations.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England advises that Material Considerations are factors that will be taken into account when a decision on a planning application or appeal is reached.
Any consideration that relates to the use or development of land is capable of being a material consideration, but other circumstances such as personal hardship and fears of affected residents can be considered in exceptional cases (the House of Lords in Great Portland Estates v. Westminster City Council [1985]).