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How many prefer using an Approved Inspector for Building Control and getting a responsive, practical, accessible and cost effective service rather than working with Council Building Control?

If a parallel system were introduced for the Planning arena that would, in theory, surely be a benefit to this profession and others who have to put up with non-commercially aware, inaccessible planning authorities who often seem incapable of reaching an appropriate decision in a reasonable time frame.

As one example I have just had a letter from one planning team who refused to give some basic advice that reversion from B2 to previous B8 was acceptable in an industrial and warehouse park. They had written to the Client several weeks ago saying that CoU was required.

No officer was available for a 5 minute advisory phone call but directions were given by an obviously unqualified planning assistant that a paid pre-app should be lodged.

This was then assessed as having insufficent information to enable any assessment.

A full application for CoU was submitted and the validation team requested full plans, sections and elevations of a building where the only change is the use. No physical changes were to be made.

After 8 weeks a letter was issued by the Council to the effect that the change was after all considered as permitted development and no application was actually required in the first place.

However, as the authority had carried out a site visit, assessment, research and consultation to reach a decision that it was indeed PD, they had expended costs and therefore would not be returning the processing fee.

The Client has taken my advice not to waste time arguing with the Council over £385, but is as annoyed as I am.

I would support a more competitive planning system if it were to be properly considered and effectively implemented.

However...

After 32 years of submitting planning applications, and watching the planning process 'negatively improved' by successive governments I fear that the current intent to again 'improve' the planning system will fall far short of what is really needed, and leave a further broken system, and more disgruntled professionals.