Some advice on the planning system in Scotland.

I have had difficulty going to clients and explaining why their planning application is taking so long! Whilst 'the process' is out of the architects hands there are a few things you can do to speed up the process.
1. Use the e planning website to lodge your applications. Its cheaper and will save lots of printing. It also leads to quicker validation of your application.

2. Always speak to the local case officer before doing anything (called a pre-app consultation).. they are usually very helpful and give you local and site specific advice..this can save much abortive work.

3. Provide drawn information as each council requests it.. Not rocket science really.(Also do not over provide information- Planning don't care for more than regulation)

4. Double check that your drawings are properly coordinated. An out of place window conflicting in plan and elevation can lead to a non validation, which can burn a week/ 2 weeks of time... That is wasted time and money generally.

5. The best thing to do to accelerate the process is to provide a great inconestatable design that recognises local need and is sensitive to all parties (clients and neighbours!) easier said than done.....

next log..what to do when your planning is refused!