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Hesitantly, I offer this checklist because the subject matter is often deeply sensitive: there's so much at stake during the meeting and the build up to it may well have been fraught. Indeed, this blog entry is a pen-portrait of a recent Planning Committee Meeting in my area All the more need for a rational, carefully structured checklist, therefore. This list appeared originally on the ill-fated ebuild site. Each comment was referenced to multiple threads, thus adding greatly to its validity. This list is offered as a help to those who are considering going to Committee to make their case. I am almost sure that -since many of the ebuilders are now here at buildhub- that any questions you may have about this checklist will be answered promptly. List the facts, assemble the evidence. (Basic procedure for problem solving) Councillors may ask for applications to be called The process in a nutshell Scottish Regulations differ to those in England Dig out the NPPF read it, which paragraphs refer to your case? The value of an accurate drawing Conservation Area? Other local decisions Scale model Size matters, (footprint) but you need evidence Micro-politics: architects - planners - county councillors - parish councillors - neighbours; strategy for dealing with each Is needing to Appeal so bad? Going to Committe or Going to Appeal Manage your Planning Consultant Check the fees situation in relation withdrawn applications What is a withdrawal? You may withdraw DURING a meeting Manage your emotions: don't show people how upset you are What to say and how to say it If you're worried about that, employ a professional to present for you. Going to Appeal needn't be as bad as it may sound

We met under a hundred pinpricks of light, and two snarling lions rampant. It seemed to me that we were going to need the shield against which they were leaning. The beasts looked angry, angry at the nervous jollity, the back-slapping, the power dresses and forced open-neck shirt paired with mohair suit. When one Councillor cracked a joke the lions retained their severity. And so they should, because this committee is a money factory. Fortunes are made and lost here. Dreams come true, dreams are shattered right here in this room. So many tight jaws, so much emotion, so much riding on what was to be decided. Tap-dancing on the head of a pin ‘What does Sustainability mean?’ Well, it used to be this and now it’s that, and that’s not fair, that’s not relevant, yes it is, no it isn’t. School playground experience is vital here. Only difference? Money. The squabbling’s serious stuff now, salaries, livelihoods, dreams, effort, emotional attachment, sales, income. And the playground is where those wheedling skills are first learned, and then honed. ‘….Aware of the problem, but not aware of the depth of feeling in the community…’ says the applicant. Titters. Another tap on the head of the pin. And the weasel agent, playground ex-offender, seen it all before, watching, sniffing, weighing it all up. The reactions, votes, smiles of the Councillors noted, saved, filed away for the next time the money factory is in session. Embarrassingly inarticulate Councillors, silent Councillors, somnolent Councillors, chirpy, pushy Councillors all clear that a Planning Premium is in the wind. More money, more emotion, more tap dancing on a pin head. (image used with the permission of the artist: you can find more of his work here)