We always advise that before a scheme is adopted the local planning department is consulted to ascertain the view of the Planning Officer. However, there is no guarantee that because a Planning Officer favours a scheme with their support that approval is automatic and visa versa. Consequently, some clients choose to skip the informal inquiry stage and some clients choose to submit a scheme despite a discouraging reply from the Planning Officer *.
We will advise the client of the Planning Officers comments and if favourable, a project would normally move to Stage 2, at which point our stage 2 fees become due. The Planning Process generally takes between 8 and 12 weeks from lodging the application.
* Even after a planning refusal, we may be able to win approval by appealing to the Secretary of State for The Environment. Building Tectonics have successfully appealed against adverse planning decisions on numerous occasions. Each case is taken on is merits and we can fee quote for this service if it should be necessary.