Re: On line access to Pre Application enquiry documents - Public forum - Planning Advisory Service (PAS)

Hi Bryan I see that Bristol have the Idox public access system, do you have the consultee access module as part of the package? We recently made the switch to public / consultee access and with a bit of tweaking in the PA admin system, we are now successfully making our pre-applications available online for consultees, but details are restricted for general users. If you would like further info, I’d be happy to run through how we’ve got it working for us, note we also use Idox DMS and Uniform. Regards, Faye

Hi Bryan, I am wondering whether you have taken a specific decision not to make pre-app documents accessible on line. I haven't looked at this for a few years now, but when I did last go into it with the Information Commissioner, I received guidance that it was only in limited circumstances that pre-application discussions should be withheld - the default position being that the information should be accessible. Clearly that would mean that if someone requested information, it would be made available except for those limited exceptions. Would it be easier to also make the information available on line except for the exceptional cases rather than look for the work around? Phillipa

Hi Phillipa I note what your saying about the Info Commissioner but I'm not convinced that displaying pre-app info on-line will encourage developers to seek advice which I think everyone would agree is a benefit. Would be interested to hear how the development industry has reacted where councils have chosen to display pre-app details on-line...

Hi Faye, whilst we have IDOX/Uniform/Public Access, we don't have Consultee access. It is something we looked at in the past, but were never convinced that we could justify it for the relatively small number of consultees (we have no Parish Councils) that might use it. Using it for pre-app enquiries as you have done might change our thinking, and it would be good to have further info. My email address is bryan.cadman@bristol.gov.uk Thanks Hi Phillipa, my intuitive view is that pre app enquires should be in the public domain, and I can only think of a few cases (eg someone getting advice before they buy a site) where there might be a good reason to keep it confidential. Our practice is that we do let an overarching local amenity group know that a pre app is in, and supply contact details so they can contact the applicant direct.. We also let elected members know if a pre app is in their ward. The thinking is that doing this will help with early community engagement and should lead to better and more certain outcomes. We have discussed the idea of publishing all pre apps online, but generally the reaction (from developers and other LPAs) is that its a step too far and might discourage pre apps being made. But then, if an FOI was made asking to see pre app details, not sure a refusal would hold much water. Like Tewkesbury, we would be keen to see where councils have taken this step, and also maybe to get views of representatives of the development industry.

As we await the new suite of guidance from DCLG, which will include new DM guidance, I am about to start a project on relooking at pre-apps proceedures - updating and moving on from the old PAS booklet "Constructive Talk" (if you remember tha)t. It will encompass work on PPAs, extensions of time and members involvement etc. and we think that it will also respond to I will also be involving the development industry again, as that was invaluable to getting a step change last time. I will make sure that the question of publishing pre-app info is discussed. Anyone interested in being involved in shaping/contributing good practice and ideas - I would love to hear from you! Meanwhile on this topic - has anyone got any stories about FOIs on pre-apps or experience of developers actually withdrawing from pre-apps because the information could be shared?