The guidance provides examples of best practice which will help counsellors understand the types of discussion that are acceptable to hold with developers at the pre-application stage.
The draft NPPF promises to make the planning system less complex and more accessible, and creates a presumption in favour of sustainable development.
It encourages local planning authorities to liaise with applicants from the inception of the plans and to discuss ideas with applicants from the pre-application stage.
However, to date, pre-application discussions are commonly only carried out by officers of the local planning authority.
The document has been produced by the Planning Officers Society and business group London First to offer some guidance to local authorities on their role.
