The ultimate output from this stage is likely to be a planning application and associated documents. The exact requirements for the planning application will need to be determined through consultation with the local planning authority. The government guidance document, The Validation of Planning Applications: Guidance for local planning authorities (2007) sets out a long list of information/assessments that a local planning authority may require. Combined with the standard planning application form (1App), this is intended to make the planning application process more consistent around the country. It is also likely to increase the requirements for developers to provide more information as part of the planning process.
Various outputs from the design process will be central to the planning application. Clearly, a range of design drawings will be essential but it is also important that the design process is effectively communicated. The evolution of the design from the early strategic decisions through to the detail of the final proposal should be put across succinctly and coherently. The Design and Access Statement provides the ideal opportunity to communicate this narrative and should be seen as an opportunity to effectively sell the design proposals.