Good, better, best—choosing with intention
How to read what planners care about
Planning policy isn’t a maze; it’s a map. Start with local character and massing: what is the prevailing building line, typical height, and roof language? Then consider privacy and overshadowing—how does your proposal protect neighbours’ amenity while creating your own? When you frame your design as a response to these themes, officers can see that it belongs where it is proposed, even when it’s modern.
Collect precedents from granted applications within walking distance. Look for patterns in officer reports: what objections were persuasive, and which were dismissed? Tie your design notes to those observations. If the street reads as a calm two-storey rhythm, explain your approach to height and proportion; if access is sensitive, show how turning and parking are resolved without harming the streetscape.
