Consultation process

The requirement to consult with local communities and local planning authorities (through the Pre-Application process), in enshrined in the Localism Act of 2011 and NPPF (2021). Understanding the complex requirements and needs of the community is an essential part of consultation. Listening, responding and adapting help move a project forwards positively and smoothly.

 

This process provides the opportunities for Parish Councils and Residents Associations to comment on the proposals.  This combined with responses from the Local Authority Pre-Application process allows for amendments to be incorporated if necessary, making the proposals more acceptable to the communities, which improves the chance of success. It is always important to appreciate that many decision, especially at committee, are made by those from the community or representatives of them.

 

We recommend positively engaging in this process, as many aspects of the planning system, although policy led, are highly emotive and political.