P8: Processing

As has been illustrated throughout this Guide, the best way to achieve a positive outcome in a timely manner is through partnership working in advance of any formal submission for planning permission. In common with the previous stages, the application processing and determination stage needs to be handled in a collaborative manner and as an inclusive part of an overall project management process. As a project moves into the formal planning stage it is highly likely that a range of new stakeholders/individuals will need to be drawn into the process.
 
Good practice indicates that a timetable for application submission, processing and decision making should be prepared and agreed between the applicant and Local Planning Authority, ideally as part of a Planning Performance Agreement. These discussions will have taken place within the project Steering Group and will have included, as referred to previously, agreement as to the form and content of the application documents.

ATLAS considers that the project steering group should include representation from the Local Authority’s Development Control team at an early stage. If however a handover between the Local Authority’s Development Team (pre-application) and the intended Development Control Case Officer (post-application) is necessary then this needs to be carefully managed, and a full briefing should take place. Such a briefing should seek to ensure that the agreed Vision and Objectives of the project are appreciated, as well as any commitments that have been agreed as part of the pre–application discussions. It is vital that a consistent approach is achieved.

The scale of administrative work involved in processing large planning applications should not be underestimated and is likely to require the local planning authority to work closely with a range of partner organisations to formally consider the proposals and come to a decision. It will be crucial that the Local Planning Authority follows statutory procedures to enable it to make a robust assessment and decision on any scheme. The existence of a large application “Charter” setting out how the Local Planning Authority will work with its partners could form an important part of this process.