Very much a growth sector within Lambert & Foster, the planning team seeing an increasing workload, comes at a time when more limited resources to deal with these applications, are available within local authorities.Although these pressures can create some uncertainty in the short term and certainly frustration, they can also offer opportunities.

Planning authorities more than ever appreciate carefully presented information with detailed applications professionally presented. The same can be said for consultees including the parish councils. A clear and full picture presented by applicants showing the full merits of their application is bound to help the local authority deal with the matter more speedily and allow other interested parties to understand the application. Time spent in careful preparation saves a good deal of frustration at a later stage.

An important issue currently in its consultation phase is the introduction of the local development framework. Again the change of the way that planning issues are dealt with should be carefully monitored by property owners.

On a more local level, we have found in some instances parish councils and planning committee members are willing to consider proposals which fall outside of the strict interpretation of local policies where there is either enabling or beneficial gain within the community. Examples of this could be the provisional of leisure facilities, the retention of retail facilities in small communities, redevelopment of listed buildings, amongst others. This broad and practical vision taken by local communities can in some cases unlock development opportunities that otherwise would not happen.

The planning system is unlikely to become any easier but now more than ever, careful presentation of applications, appropriate monitoring and management will put clients in the best position to gain from the substantial benefits that can be achieved by a successful project.