Top Ten tips

1 Appoint a multidisciplined, experienced team that is not afraid of assessing development site opportunities afresh. This means setting aside existing designations, policies and design character. The best development has not yet been found. The old way is not necessarily the best way.

2 Have early pre-application discussions with the local planning authority (LPA). A new approach to planning policies may be necessary and this will require members and officers buy into it.

3 Be prepared to address key areas of LPA concern in a forensic way. There is extreme pressure to deliver housing, which has implications for jobs, existing land designations and sustainable development. The developer may need to fund additional research from an independent body to demonstrate its case.

4 Re-engage regularly with the LPA with evidence and answers to key issues addressed. Be prepared to assist the project and the council by:

• Funding officers' time to assess applicants' information
  
• Funding the council's appointment of external advisers to assess information – this could be valuers, surveyors, masterplanners or planning consultants
  
• Funding the preparation of additional planning guidance to support the development
  
• Funding specialist reports that the council has no resources for
  
• Funding the implementation of Agenda 21 issues that are of importance to the local community and politicians.

5 Consult with and listen to community groups at an early stage. Spend time clearly explaining the development proposals and what concerns local residents. Be prepared to fund the entire consultation strategy in partnership with the council. This includes press briefings, glossy information packs, hiring of local consultation space and feedback analysis.

6 Brief and discuss proposals with council members to understand ward concerns. A vocal pioneer of the development scheme can help members lobby each other.

Be prepared to address key areas of concern in a forensic way. There is extreme pressure to deliver housing, which has implications for jobs and sustainable development. The developer may need to fund additional research

7 Consult the relevant regional bodies or the Greater London Authority, which is essential for a scheme of any significant size. The need to deliver jobs and homes is a key objective at regional and local level and requires resourcing, which at LPA level may be constrained.

8 Engage CABE in the design process to adopt best practice and demonstrate high-quality design, which is a key objective of the high-density, high-quality, planning and design agenda.

9 Discuss and agree with the LPA the content and detail to be addressed within the planning application submission. All documentation should be clearly written and provide answers to key issues and problems. This includes addressing the planning obligations based on an assessment of what the scheme should and can afford to contribute.