--- title: "Statutory objector" canonical_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/glossary/statutory-objector markdown_url: https://haulierscope.co.uk/glossary/statutory-objector.md publisher: HaulierScope licence: Open Government Licence v3.0 (https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/) --- # Statutory objector > A body with a legal right to object to a goods licence application, such as the police, a local authority, a planning authority or a prescribed trade… Glossary Last updated 2 October 2026 A body with a legal right to object to a goods licence application, such as the police, a local authority, a planning authority or a prescribed trade union or association. Objections are due within 21 days of publication. Also called: objector. ## Official wording Each Applications and Decisions bulletin sets out the rule: "Objections against published applications may be made in writing by a Chief Officer of Police, a local authority, a planning authority or a prescribed trade union or association within 21 days of the date on which notice of an application is published in Applications and Decisions" ([Applications and Decisions No. 8977](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8aaaefad0f1df672280f/ad_8977_30_September_2026_.pdf)). Grounds are limited to the licence requirements in section 13 of the 1995 Act and the suitability of the operating centre. "The onus of proof in terms of the grounds on which an objection is lodged lies with the objector." For PSV licences the list is shorter. "No one apart from the local authorities and the police has any right of objection" ([PSV operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). ## Rights that neighbours do not have A statutory objector can appeal a grant to the Upper Tribunal. GOV.UK says "Nobody else has right of appeal" ([goods vehicle operator licensing guide](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide)). Local representors who want to challenge a grant can only seek judicial review. A Schedule 4 transfer also blocks objections: "Legislation prevents any statutory objection against the Schedule 4 element of an application." ## A common misunderstanding Neighbours are not statutory objectors. They make an [environmental representation](https://haulierscope.co.uk/glossary#environmental-representation) instead, on grounds such as noise, within 21 days of the newspaper advert. ## How it shows up and what to do Applications appear in Section 1 of Applications and Decisions, each with a reference number to quote. In the DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 September 2026, the traffic area with the most licences was Eastern, with 13,143. Applicants should expect objections where a site has history. Read our guide on how to [object to an operator licence application](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/object-to-an-operator-licence-application), search [Applications and Decisions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/applications-and-decisions), or [run a free operator licence check](https://haulierscope.co.uk/) on the applicant. ## Related terms - [Environmental representation](https://haulierscope.co.uk/glossary#environmental-representation) - [Applications and Decisions](https://haulierscope.co.uk/glossary#applications-and-decisions) - [Upper Tribunal](https://haulierscope.co.uk/glossary#upper-tribunal) - [Notices and Proceedings](https://haulierscope.co.uk/glossary#notices-and-proceedings) ## Sources - [Applications and Decisions, Welsh traffic area, No. 8977, 30 September 2026 (GOV.UK PDF)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6abd8aaaefad0f1df672280f/ad_8977_30_September_2026_.pdf) (source last updated 30 September 2026) - [Public service vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-service-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) (source last updated 2 October 2025) - [Goods vehicle operator licensing guide (GOV.UK)](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/goods-vehicle-operator-licensing-guide) (source last updated 2 October 2025) Checked against GOV.UK and legislation.gov.uk on 2 October 2026. Register figures: DVSA operator licence data, file dated 7 September 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Full guide: [Objecting to an operator licence application](https://haulierscope.co.uk/guides/object-to-an-operator-licence-application). Back to the [glossary](https://haulierscope.co.uk/glossary#statutory-objector) or read our [editorial standards](https://haulierscope.co.uk/editorial-standards). --- Canonical page: https://haulierscope.co.uk/glossary/statutory-objector Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. HaulierScope is an independent service, not affiliated with DVSA or the Traffic Commissioners. It is updated when DVSA publishes a new file, usually weekly.