This useful project management tool improves the process of planning applications.
What is a planning performance agreement (PPA)?
A PPA is a project management tool used for planning applications, which enable all parties to be clear about what is required of them at all stages of the planning application process.
Why sign up to a PPA?
A PPA between the applicant and the local planning authority does not guarantee planning permission but it certainly improves communication between developers and the council and this greatly enhances the chances of a positive conclusion. We strongly encourage their use.
Where a planning application is submitted without a planning performance agreement, we will handle it as a routine application within the existing workload of our team, without dedicated resource. It will be determined without the dialogue that might otherwise takes place on schemes.
After you obtain planning permission, it is helpful to agree a programme for dealing with planning conditions and any other amendments that may be necessary. To commit resources on both sides, there needs to be a PPA in place.
The cost of a PPA depends on the scale of the application, the resources required and input from officers for the project. It will be based on daily rates for officers, including overheads. We may need to bring in additional expertise, which will be funded by the applicant.
All PPAs are made pursuant to the Localism Act 2011 and the Local Government Acts 1972, 2000, and 2003. Section 93 of the Local Government Act 2003 allows local planning authorities to charge for providing discretionary services and legislation is clear that, where charges are made, they must not exceed the cost of providing the service. The Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) identify PPA/developer contributions as a revenue stream that should be maximised by planning authorities.
The fees cover our costs for providing the advice and which, if we did not charge, would be met by council taxpayers generally.
Benefits of using a PPA
- Certainty of timescales for reaching a decision and a specific planning committee date to work towards.
- A project managed application process that includes a range of professionals involved in the determination of your application.
- The opportunity to discuss changes to applications as they arise.
- The cost of pre-application advice, and resident engagement is included.
- Access to officers and consultees to enable constructive discussion on planning applications.
- Named officer contact, so you can discuss your application when you need to.
What does the service cost?
The cost of the PPA will be calculated based on the complexity and size of the scheme using the following daily rates:
| Officer type | Daily rate |
|---|---|
| Heads of service | £1,014 |
| Team leaders and deputy team leader | £907 |
| Principal officers | £800 |
| Senior officers | £800 |
| Technical support officer | £587 |
Does this mean I will get an approval?
We can't guarantee the outcome of any planning application, but by signing up to a fixed price PPA, you have the best possible chances of a positive conclusion. You'll also get a higher level of officer involvement and community involvement in your scheme.
How do I enter into a PPA with H&F?
View a copy of our standard planning performance agreement (pdf 211KB). Please read it carefully before contacting us on planning@lbhf.gov.uk explaining the nature of your scheme. A planning officer will then be allocated to the case and contact you to progress the matter.