Planning Performance Agreements

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What is a Planning Performance Agreement

A Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) is a project management tool that the Local Planning Authority (Council) and applicant can use to agree timescales, actions, and resources for handling particular applications. The PPA can cover the pre- application stage, the application itself and post decision. Although, the Council will aim to determine the application within statutory timescales, a longer period can be agreed if appropriate by a PPA.

What are the benefits of entering into a PPA

Benefits of PPA’s are:

issues identified at an early stage, saving abortive work and reducing delay and uncertainty

consultees identified at an early stage and opportunity to gain advice from key consultees

guaranteed timescales

clear communication

better working relationship, with effective and efficient collaboration

dedicated case officer for a consistent approach

early identification of potential planning conditions and planning obligation requirements

opportunity to improve the quality of development and places

combined access to Dorset Council’s Building Control Team for advice about how Building Regulations may impact on your development

Dorset Council and PPA’s

You can have a PPA for any application, but Dorset Council generally offer bespoke PPAs for more significant, larger, or complex proposals, or those which are likely to involve multiple applications or rounds of pre-application advice over a period of time.

All PPA’s are bespoke and are created to support and enable effective project management no matter what stage in the planning process they are used. Fees for our PPA’s are based on officer time and will be charged at £120.00 (inc. VAT) per hour or part thereof.

Whether you use a PPA or not we recommend our pre application advice service for all types of proposals. If you make a pre-application request for a significant or complex proposal which is not already part of a PPA we will seek to agree a PPA with you to project manage the application to decision.

The PPA process

Initial discussions/meeting with the applicant, the Council, and any necessary consultees to agree purposes of the PPA, the ways of working and to identify the key tasks, milestones and responsibilities.

A draft PPA is produced by the Council for comment.

The PPA is finalised and signed by all parties.

The Council will raise invoice/request payment – this maybe in stages as set out in the PPA.

Key tasks are actioned/followed as set out in the PPA.

Review the PPA at regular intervals to ensure its effectiveness and update if required.

How to request a PPA

Please feel free to contact us regarding a possible PPA either before or after the submission of a pre-application enquiry or a planning application, although the earlier the better to maximise the benefits of a PPA. An officer will then discuss your requirements and project programme with you before drafting a PPA for you to consider.