Determining a planning application involves a careful, systematic assessment that blends factual review with interpretative judgment. Key steps include:

• Policy Alignment: Check that the proposal meets relevant national, regional, and local planning policies. This addresses the ethical and legal frameworks within which the proposal operates.

• Impact Evaluation: Assess environmental, social, and economic impacts. Here, you balance quantitative evidence with qualitative considerations, similar to weighing diverse ethical values.

• Public Engagement: Consider stakeholder and community feedback. The deliberative process mirrors the philosophical commitment to dialogue and collective reasoning.

• Site and Context Analysis: Evaluate the site details and its historical context. This understanding is crucial in appreciating the unique circumstances, much like situational ethics in philosophical inquiry.

By synthesizing these aspects, you determine whether the planning application not only complies legally but also serves the broader communal and sustainable goals.