POS Offers Good Practice Advice on Pre-Application Discussions

In a speedy response to the announcement by Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and Local Government Association chair Baroness Eaton that councils will need to make it easier for residents to influence development proposals the Planning Officers Society has issued a reminder that it already provides good practice advice eon pre-application discussions.

John Silvester, Spokesperson for the Society, said "a compulsory pre-application consultation for proposals above a certain threshold is welcomed as authorities should be undertaking this style of approach in any event."

The Society provides a range of good practice advice on its website; including:

1. Pre-Application Discussions at http://www.planningofficers.org.uk/file/3062e4f8c68e574d7899873a2a96bea0/pre-application-discussions-presentation.html

2. Councillor involvement in pre application discussions at http://www.planningofficers.org.uk/documents/Guidance_Note_3_Member_pre_application_discussions.pdf and

3. Probity in Planning (including advice on members and pre-application discussions) at http://www.planningofficers.org.uk/file/03a3465715ad710474d6c2669f19c49a/probity-in-planning-lga-may-2009.html