Here’s a nice little story on a recent planning validation…

But first a short recap on what Planning Validation is all about…

Before a planning application even gets looked at, it needs to go through a validation process. This checks whether the drawings, site notices, forms etc… fulfill the technical requirements of the Planning Act. If there’s anything missing or incorrect then it’s back to the beginning (Do not pass GO, do not collect $200!). Sometimes this validation procedure is quick and over the counter, other times it has lasted the entire 8 weeks. I’ve written another post on this invalidation procedure recently HERE.

So here’s the story, no names, no pack drill and especially no county names!

A planning application was submitted a while back and the validation checker calls me concerning a missing note/line:

Planning Validator: You are missing a line on the site location plan with a note indicating the location of the site notice. I can’t touch the drawing but if you can get someone in here by tomorrow to add it, I’ll validate it immediately. (Ed Note: Decent Planner)

Me: OK, no problem, I’ll call the client and see if they can pop in to do it.

I then call the client and although it’s my error, the client is happy to go in and amend the drawing (under the guidance of the planner). (Ed Note: Decent Client & Planner). nb It’s an hour round trip for the client.

I then think, I wonder if I got it right and the planner got it wrong. And surprise, surprise, the correct note & arrow is actually on the drawing…

Me: I’ve checked the drawings and the site notice is correctly identified on the site location plan.

Planning Validator: Oh yes, you’re right. Sorry. I’ll validate the file accordingly. (Ed Note: decent planner, he did apologise)

I ring the client, inform of good news, happy that they don’t have to go in and happy that the file is getting validated.

Now what’s the moral of this story?

1. There was no shouting between anyone during all these conversations. Everyone was polite, friendly and helpful.

2. Although the planner did make a mistake, it could very easily have been a mistake by me. Treat other people how you would like to be treated. Would you like someone to shout at you if you made a simple mistake?

3. Everyone is human and everyone can make mistakes. Life is tough and it’s made harder by people being rude and angry. be kinder on others (and on yourself). Everyone has a hard job and deserves respect and courtesy.