We've all heard the saying: behind every successful project stands a dream team. While this narrative resonates across industries, it's particularly crucial in the complex world of planning applications. Yet surprisingly, many projects still fall short of reaching their full potential simply because they lack the right team behind them.
The Reality of Planning Applications
Let's face it, every development project comes with its unique set of challenges and limitations. While compromises are inevitable as you progress from concept to planning consent, there are two sacrifices you should never make:
Appointing the wrong consultants
Attempting to mislead Local Planning Authorities
This isn't about pointing fingers at those who have taken shortcuts. Many have done so simply because they didn't fully understand the planning process requirements. Instead, let's explore how to assemble the perfect team for your planning application and crucially, when to bring them on board.
Starting on the Right Foot
The first crucial step is identifying your application type. Local Planning Authorities provide validation lists – essentially checklists detailing required documents and drawings for each application type. These lists are fundamental for the Council to validate and process your application.
Pro Tip: Review the validation list at the earliest possible stage. At Bluestone Planning, this is our actions when a new project lands on our desk. It allows us to give clients early guidance on the consultants they'll likely need, helping them factor these requirements into their project's feasibility.
Looking Beyond the Checklist
However, building your dream team isn't just about ticking boxes on the validation list. It's crucial to:
Identify potentially contentious aspects of your development that might raise red flags with the Council,
Take a proactive approach to strengthen your application,
Allow sufficient time to choose the right consultants for each aspect of your project, and
Budgeting for your project.
Remember: selecting consultants isn't a simple tick-box exercise, and it shouldn't come down to whoever offers the lowest fee. While it might sound cliché, you typically get what you pay for. Take time to gather multiple quotes, understand the scope of work, and research potential consultants before making your final selection.
The Benefits of Building the Right Team
Time Efficiency
While there might be initial delays in submitting your application while assembling your team, this investment of time upfront prevents significant delays later. A substandard application can lead to:
Invalid applications,
Requests for additional documentation,
Extended decision dates, and
Complete application refusal.
Cost Effectiveness
Delays often carry financial consequences. It's more cost-effective to invest in the right team initially, than to face the expenses of salvaging a troubled project later on.
Credibility with Authorities
While there's no evidence to support this, experience shows that Local Planning Authorities respond more positively to robust, well-prepared applications. It demonstrates your serious commitment to the development and your willingness to meet all requirements proactively.
Enhanced Success Rate
Every project faces unique challenges. By taking a proactive approach and assembling the right team, you significantly improve your chances of overcoming these obstacles and achieving a successful outcome.
The Bottom Line
Yes, the planning system can be frustratingly complex and bureaucratic. While this reality isn't changing anytime soon, there's good news: the industry is full of excellent consultants who can help navigate these challenges. The key lies in identifying, recognising, and utilising their expertise effectively.
Remember, your dream team isn't just a “nice-to-have” – it's essential for turning your development plans into reality.
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At Bluestone Planning, we specialise in more than just securing planning permissions for new developments, extensions and changes of use - we ensure that every planning application is meticulously prepared and compliant with all necessary regulations. A crucial part of this process is assembling the right team of consultants at the right time and using validation checklists to streamline applications, helping you avoid costly delays. We also focus on proactively identifying potential challenges and strengthening applications, ensuring that all documentation is in place for a smooth and successful approval process.
For more information on how we can help you build your dream team and navigate the complexities of planning applications, contact Bluestone Planning by calling +44 1235 766825 or emailing admin@bluestoneplanning.co.uk
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