Everyone involved in the planning system will be aware it can be a controversial and highly emotive area. Planning battles are even becoming the raw material of many 'fly-on-the-wall' documentaries. In Kent, where my firm Brachers has offices, we have found the issue is especially acute compared to our work in advising projects in London. But through an effective and well-managed consultation process many of these battles can be avoided.

In March 2014 the government published National Planning Practice Guidance (the NPPG) designed to help those involved in the planning system. One of the areas touched upon is consultation.

Local Planning Authorities are under a legal duty to consult various organisations and groups before deciding planning applications. They will need to balance the pros and cons of the scheme having regard to local and national policies and genuine concerns about the impacts of development.

Once an application has been submitted formal consultation must take place with statutory consultees and the public.