Planners - what is their scope

bemak

I'm an architect working in Dublin in a commercial practice. The majority of our projects are large scale and as such we always have planning consultants on board. Lately, I've was asked to do some residential work for friends (outside of the office) and as I am now dealing with planners directly, I notice a big difference in consistency between counties. I don't want to name specific counties as I don't feel there's a need but for example, I am submitting an application for a new dwelling on a green field site in two different counties. Both in similar rural type sites - neither in an ACA or protected area or anything like that but I was surprised in how both Planners contrasted in their desired level of input. 
Planner A is concerned with what you would expect - zoning, local need, visual impact, site drainage, site access and sightlines, general finishes (vernacular preference), screening etc etc the list goes on but all very normal.

Although the house design for Planner B is more of the vernacular style than Planner A, they are concerned more with ridge height (200mm too high), or that the windows need to be much smaller, and they have a preference for a projecting porch, and are very against anything any way modern like a section of glazing 4m wide x 3m high (even though the general design is extremely rooted in the local vernacular of a single storey, pitched roof cottage with narrow gables).

Again, the new house for Planner B is in the middle of the countryside, well screened and is not in an area that is protected etc. 

So my question really is, in this example, is Planner B going beyond their scope by having such a detailed input in design? Granted if the house was being built in an ACA I would expect this level of interrogation but it just feels like they're trying to design it rather than give general guidance?

Angry bird

Difference of opinions re design are to be expected but still sounds like planner b is being overly prescriptive in their advice. Dig out the design guidance section in the development plan, which differs from one county to the next, this and opinion is where the design is assessed. Tailor your cover letter re what the development plan says. At the end of the day, as an architect you are the expert and therefore should be better able to argue your reasoning.

bemak

Thanks for the reply. I was just curious. One thing I didn't mention is that Planner B is renowned for this type of input - hence why I was wondering if they were stepping outside their remit.

Angry bird

Their style of giving advice. Also depends on how senior this person is, and up to management to address concerns that are a known quantity, as being known for such. Senior Planner and line director can sign off on or alter a planners recommendation.

BryanF

I suppose you get to know certain area planners 'remit' and what's just their 'taste'. I find it best if in doubt.. t load up the first submission with an architectural report, to connect the proposal to the local 'modern' vernacular style.

bemak

BryanF wrote: »

load up the first submission with an architectural report, to connect the proposal to the local 'modern' vernacular style.

that's exactly what I'm going to do! fingers crossed

BryanF

Re larger glazing - perhaps Outlining the solar orientation and Environmental credentials