Planning Delays
A spanner in the works...
Find out more and your options below.
We, like you, hate it when the best plans don't quite go to plan!
With local authorities being overwhelmed with the volumes of planning applications this is unfortunately causing lengthy delays across the UK with some local authorities coping better than others.
What is actually happening?..
Which areas are currently facing delays?
The majority of areas across the UK are experiencing some elements of delay with applications being processed and decision notices being produced.
Some local authorities have weathered the storm better than others with some experiencing minor delays of 2-3 weeks whilst others are experiencing major disruption of up to an additional 11 months.
What is the root cause of these delays?
The majority of delays has came from the huge volumes of applications being submitted to the local authority both during and after the pandemic.
This volume of applications has placed local authorities under lots of pressure which has lead to staff illness and absenteeism that is increasing lead times.
When additional information is requested the documents have to go through a similar process to reach the team involved in your planning application.
Updates on timescales?
Current lead times are varying hugely from area to area. Some local authorities are experiencing minor delays of 2-3 weeks, whilst others are reporting delays of 4 - 9 months to process applications.
What are local authorities doing about it?
Some local authorities are recruiting additional staff to help with the volumes of workloads other providers are gaining additional resources from the private sector including private planning consultants to help take the pressure off.
The Common Misconception
It is a common misconception that once an application has been submitted the decision lies with one single party to ultimately make that decision. When in fact lots of other parties are involved even for the smallest of extensions!
When delays are encountered it often ends up being a complete chain reaction.
Planners rely on other departments to assess and feedback comments on an application including conservation, heritage, ecology, town council and committees as well as other external resources.
When one or more of these are delayed it can have a huge impact on the speed at which applications are determined.
What is our plan of action?
ICI Architecture Studio has developed relationships with lots of local authorities across the UK and aim to work with them positively and proactively in order to reach a desired outcome.
We treat everyone with kindness and respect regardless of current circumstances.
We regularly assess cases to identify if their is any alternative solutions that would best meet our clients needs. This can include looking at prior notification applications, internal alterations that may meet out clients needs especially if time is of critical importance.
Do I need to do anything to try and speed things up?
The answer to that is no thank you,
ICI Architecture Studio has developed relationships with local authorities across the UK to try and reach positive outcomes for our clients even during challenging circumstances.
We continue to contact local authorities for updates so you don't have to. As you can appreciate this can sometimes take a while for us to get any information back due to the volume of applications submitted and other providers requesting updates as well. In turn, by leaving it to the agencies it reduces call volumes and resources for the local authorities and less hassle for you to deal with.
We feel this approach is more of a Win-Win situation for all parties involved.
Choosing the best route..
Sometimes its difficult to see the wood through the trees
We have selected a couple of options for you to consider
if your application is significantly delayed
Option 01
Passing your project through to the Planning Inspectorates
Planning Inspectorates are independent of the local authority.
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You can find out more information about this option in our guide at the bottom of this page.
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Option 03
Prior Notification Applications, Internal Alterations.
Other options can include changing the direction of your project (Subject to eligibility criteria).
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Including internal alterations or Prior Notification Applications.
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Prior Notification Applications:
These are not suitable for every scenario but if you have a great relationship with your neighbours they can be a great option. Although you are limited as to what you can and can't do.
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Find out more in our Frequently Asked Questions.
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Option 02
Raising your concerns with the Local Authority
Feedback allows improvements to be made to services although not instantly.
When raising your concerns it is important (as much as we appreciate how challenging this is) to not raise your temper or frustrations this can cause you with further delays and complications.
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Option 04
Future Predictions - Will the tide turn?
Whilst we can't predict the future, prices may start to become more stable or reset over the next 12 months especially if the markets reset.
Due to high levels of demand following the pandemic and inflationary pressures, this is all adding to price increases.
Our advice to you if you were to consider this option would be to allow the application to run its course and by which point the markets may return to some more normality.
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Which may offer you better value for money in the long run.
Did you know?
Once an application has been approved you have 3 years to make a start.
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Option 01
Who are they and how may they help?
Planning Inspectorates..
What is a planning Inspectorate?
The answer to that is no thank you,
ICI Architecture Studio has developed relationships with local authorities across the UK to try and reach positive outcomes for our clients even during challenging circumstances.
We continue to contact local authorities for updates so you don't have to. As you can appreciate this can sometimes take a while for us to get any information back due to the volume of applications submitted and other providers requesting updates as well. In turn, by leaving it to the agencies it reduces call volumes and resources for the local authorities, less hassle for you to deal with.
We feel this approach is more of a Win-Win situation for all parties involved.
What is the process involved?
The answer to that is no thank you,
ICI Architecture Studio has developed relationships with local authorities across the UK to try and reach positive outcomes for our clients even during challenging circumstances.
We continue to contact local authorities for updates so you don't have to. As you can appreciate this can sometimes take a while for us to get any information back due to the volume of applications submitted and other providers requesting updates as well. In turn, by leaving it to the agencies it reduces call volumes and resources for the local authorities, less hassle for you to deal with.
We feel this approach is more of a Win-Win situation for all parties involved.
Would like to proceed with or find out more on the Planning Inspectorates route?
Get in touch via Email: Team@iciarchitecture.co.uk
Due to high levels of demand for our services it may take 48-72hrs for us to get back to you.
Option 02
How to raise your concerns with the Local Authority?
Discussing Feedback..
We, like you, hate it when the best plans don't quite go to plan!
With local authorities being overwhelmed with the volumes of planning applications this is unfortunately causing lengthy delays across the UK with some local authorities coping better than others.
Tip 01
How to raise feedback without affecting the outcome of your planning application?
At ICI Architecture Studio we listen to all feedback and in fact some of our services are built on the basis of that feedback.
We understand hugely how frustrating delays are for both clients and for us as agents.
When raising feedback it is important to not raise your temper as this can hinder your planning application and the outcome of it including delays, refusal as well as the local authority taking action against you.
Local Authorities the same with ICI Architecture Studio will always take swift action against those that demonstrate verbal aggression or threats regardless of the circumstances.
We regularly report back to local authorities with feedback to help improve their services so if you wish to not approach them directly you can forward your comments over to us and we can pass them to the local authority on your behalf.
Tip 02
The complexities behind the planning system.
It is important to take into account when raising feedback with the local authority that planning systems are a lot more complex that what people usually think!
It is a common misconception that once an application has been submitted the decision lies with one single party to ultimately make that decision.
When in fact lots of other parties are involved even for the smallest of extensions!
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Members of the Public from Consultations.
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Highways
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Ecology & Conservation Officers
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Town Council and Committee Reviews
Option 03
A change of Direction, Internal Alterations
Prior Notification Applications
Do I need to do anything to try and speed things up?
The answer to that is no thank you,
ICI Architecture Studio has developed relationships with local authorities across the UK to try and reach positive outcomes for our clients even during challenging circumstances.
We continue to contact local authorities for updates so you don't have to. As you can appreciate this can sometimes take a while for us to get any information back due to the volume of applications submitted and other providers requesting updates as well. In turn, by leaving it to the agencies it reduces call volumes and resources for the local authorities, less hassle for you to deal with.
We feel this approach is more of a Win-Win situation for all parties involved.
Do I need to do anything to try and speed things up?
The answer to that is no thank you,
ICI Architecture Studio has developed relationships with local authorities across the UK to try and reach positive outcomes for our clients even during challenging circumstances.
We continue to contact local authorities for updates so you don't have to. As you can appreciate this can sometimes take a while for us to get any information back due to the volume of applications submitted and other providers requesting updates as well. In turn, by leaving it to the agencies it reduces call volumes and resources for the local authorities, less hassle for you to deal with.
We feel this approach is more of a Win-Win situation for all parties involved.
Option 04
Future Predictions
Will the tide turn?
Do I need to do anything to try and speed things up?
The answer to that is no thank you,
ICI Architecture Studio has developed relationships with local authorities across the UK to try and reach positive outcomes for our clients even during challenging circumstances.
We continue to contact local authorities for updates so you don't have to. As you can appreciate this can sometimes take a while for us to get any information back due to the volume of applications submitted and other providers requesting updates as well. In turn, by leaving it to the agencies it reduces call volumes and resources for the local authorities, less hassle for you to deal with.
We feel this approach is more of a Win-Win situation for all parties involved.
Do I need to do anything to try and speed things up?
The answer to that is no thank you,
ICI Architecture Studio has developed relationships with local authorities across the UK to try and reach positive outcomes for our clients even during challenging circumstances.
We continue to contact local authorities for updates so you don't have to. As you can appreciate this can sometimes take a while for us to get any information back due to the volume of applications submitted and other providers requesting updates as well. In turn, by leaving it to the agencies it reduces call volumes and resources for the local authorities, less hassle for you to deal with.
We feel this approach is more of a Win-Win situation for all parties involved.
Keeping you up to date
We will notify you with updates regarding your application as soon as we receive updates from the local authority involved in your project.
Get in touch via Email: Team@iciarchitecture.co.uk
Due to high levels of demand for our services it may take 48-72hrs for us to get back to you.
Supporting You..
How can we help?
Find out more and your options below.
Keeping you up to date
We will notify you with updates regarding your application as soon as we receive updates from the local authority involved in your project.
Get in touch via Email: Team@iciarchitecture.co.uk
Due to high levels of demand for our services it may take 48-72hrs for us to get back to you.