Applications

We co-ordinate and submit planning applications and ensure that they are complete.

This is more important than ever because local authorities are reluctant to request additional information and suggest amendments to drawings. If information is lacking they may declare applications to be invalid, on occasion after substantial delays. If amendments are required they may well simply refuse permission and require a further submission. Often pre application discussions are not possible or officers are reluctant to give clear advice. The reason for this tends to be shortages of experienced staff and/or financial pressure to achieve administrative targets.

The range of documentation required for planning applications is greater than ever before and the expense of producing it has also risen considerably. Common examples are:

• Planning statements — setting out the relevant policies; describing the proposals; identifying the issues raised; and supplying the information required for the local authority to assess the application
• Design and Access statements — these are now a statutory requirement for applications for erection of buildings. They require knowledge not merely of building design and the Building Regulations but the framework on the basis of which design is assessed. This requires planning and urban design expertise.

This can lead to delays in achieving permission and consents for developments that are in principle entirely acceptable.

This means that there is a greater than ever need for experienced high quality planning advice to keep the content and form of developments in line with requirements.

Ray Welsh has 24 years experience in local government, 20 in management positions. He has excellent contacts in the public sector and is able to communicate effectively with officers to assist in identification issues and views at pre application stage.