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Planning Advisory Service (PAS)
Open group | Started - July 2012 | Last activity - This week

Invalid Applications

Sam Carter, modified 9 Years ago.

Invalid Applications

New Member Posts: 2 Join Date: 20/10/11 Recent Posts
Dear All, I am aiming to reduce the number of invalid applications submitted.  Our current invalid rate is 36%, the most common app types are FUL's, Householders and Listed Building Consents, the most common reasons for invalidity are plans and fees.  Does anyone have a very low invalid rate? Does anyone have any ideas about how to promote the necessary plans and fees?  Is there a general accepted invalid rate for Planning?  Any thoughts would be great thanks.
Former Member, modified 9 Years ago.

RE: Invalid Applications

Hi Sam

We've reduced our invalidity rate here through a much less prescriptive approach to validation - which required a cultural change in the staff involved, who were, at the outset,

protective of their function and their view of themselves as gatekeepers.  We have also developed a closer dialogue between technical staff and development management officers, and      conversations between us and our regular agents have improved the quality of what we receive.  An Accredited Agents scheme, which we adopted 2 years ago, with the         incentive that accredited agents receive quicker decisions, has also driven-up the quality of applications.

Lastly, I'm aware that Wolverhampton city council has some interesting ideas on validation and you may wish to contact the Head of Planning there - Steve Alexander   ( Stephen.Alexander@wolverhampton.gov.uk ).

Good luck

Mark

Sam Carter, modified 9 Years ago.

RE: Invalid Applications

New Member Posts: 2 Join Date: 20/10/11 Recent Posts

Thank you Mark,thats helpful.  I will contact Wolverhampton and take a look around their website.

Former Member, modified 9 Years ago.

RE: Invalid Applications

Sort of related to this topic, we are aware that some councils are charging an administrative fee where applications are invalid on receipt and the further information required (to

make the application valid) never arrives.  This administration fee is retained when the submitted fee is returned, and is to cover the costs incurred by the council.

 

It is something we are looking at, and wondered if anyone had experience of doing this they would like to share.

 

Thanks