Job Book 9th Edition - Book - Page 84
ONLINE VERSION
72
Stage 1 > Preparation and Brief
• whether there is a known existence of hazardous substances
or conditions due to earlier uses, likelihood of archaeological
remains, etc.
• whether there are plans for compulsory purchase or any land
take proposals (e.g. for road improvements) which could affect
use of the site.
1.4.2
Hold preliminary discussions with the planning officer to discuss
key issues arising from the above checks. Establish the approach
of the planning officer towards the principle of development
as proposed and enquire whether serious difficulties might
be expected. Establish the measure of consultation that the
planning officer would welcome or expect.
It is advisable to seek the opinion of the local authority planning officer
at an early stage in design development. Some authorities charge for
this service, but it will give valuable feedback before the greater cost
of developing the design and making a full application and will help
to manage risk in the planning process. The officer will give advice on
planning policy and the likely outcome of an application. They may
make recommendations to improve the chances of success if this is
thought necessary. The process usually requires a set of drawings and
other supporting information to be sent, with the fee, following which
a meeting will be arranged. A formal response will usually be issued
shortly after the meeting, although it should be noted that the planning
committee will not always follow the officer’s recommendation.
The more information that is submitted, the greater the detail of
advice you will receive in response, but it is important not to present the
proposals as a finished design but rather as design options, exploring a
range of solutions that could meet the client’s brief. This will tend to elicit
the most beneficial response and demonstrate a willingness to involve
the authority as a stakeholder. Matters such as planning policy, the local
built environment, access and egress, bulk and massing of the proposal,
building materials and sustainability targets should be explained.
www.planningportal.gov.uk is a useful source of advice for all matters
related to planning and making planning applications.
Refer also to the RIBA Good Practice Guide Negotiating the Planning
Maze (2009).
