I blogged last week about how Planners sometimes get it very wrong – in my view.

Might this sort of development be easier in future? Photo: Martine Hamilton-Knight

I was aware from a number of discussions that Nottingham City Council were looking at a new regime for major applications. This idea was borne out of a consultation process which I was part of just over 12 months ago. The City had employed a consultant to look at how the Planning Service had performed – particularly on major applications.

I had a bad experience over one I was involved in three years ago. I shall spare the City their blushes, but the application took 18 months and eight schemes before it was heard at Committee; it was then adjourned. Some of the comments made in the Committee were just plain wrong. I normally have faith in democracy, but I was always warned to stay away from a Planning Committee – who can redefine ‘maverick’! Someone wittier than me coined the phrase ‘development control committee out of control’.

So I was pleased to learn that the City are looking at a new method by which major applications can be brought forward. They are seeking comments from the professional sector.

In essence the new regime works by creating a formal agreement between the Council and the applicant. They are known as Planning Performance Agreements. The blurb suggest that they are a modern way of dealing with major applications – in an open and collaborative way. A framework is put in place to ensure that the pre-application phase (now compulsory) is more focussed and has a clear timetable. They do not guarantee Planning Consent.

In essence the developer or applicant pays a fee for the resources. Whilst this may seem slightly odd, since the Council have a Statutory duty to hear an application, the time saved in being led by the Councils timetable with their stretched resources is probably saved by the fee.

I think this is to be welcomed. It has been used elsewhere. It is an interesting approach and I guess only time will tell as to whether it is a success. If you spend the money, follow the advice and a ‘maverick’ committee throw it out because they don’t like the colour of your eyes, it will rapidly fall apart. I hope it doesn’t, but there is some way to go in winning back the confidence of applicants…