Tips for Contemporary Planning applications

There are plenty of books around, probably all more authoritative than me on the subject of planning applications, but my suggestions are really geared towards people who are 'coming out' of the contemporary closet!

Site Purchase

Discuss your rough ideas with the Planning Department before purchase, and take some visuals. They should be your key advisers.
If the District or Council produces Planning Guidelines secure a copy to see what is said about contemporary "one-offs"
Employ a planning Adviser who should be able to guide you through the maze.
Check the site constraints (TPO, AONB, Category of the land GB5, GB6 etc.)
Physically check for the utilities especially mains waste (if buying a building to demolish)
Make note of the building style either side and opposite, and building line.

This gives you the key basics and will help you decide whether the site has potential.

Probate Sales

You are not out of the game until exchange
You have no agreement until you exchange
The estate agent must advise the client of an increased offer
A probate lawyer is obliged to accept that offer if it benefits the estate.
Probate sales of property would be better handled as a properly run auction with an information pack being provided and 10% being deposited on the day by the successful bidder.

Plans

Formulate your plans with your neighbours' perspective in mind. If your neighbours are given little cause to object - you will be going in the right direction.
Building height is important.
Footprint can be important.
Don't compromise your building.

Neighbours

Tell them you are a fan of contemporary architecture soon after your purchase; this sets the scene.
Do not discuss your ideas in advance of completing your plans - it's a cul de sac.
When plans are complete discuss them first with neighbours on an individual basis.
Explain the rationale of the design and how it evolved and why.
The building may not be to their taste - but the design of the building is not the issue.
Give neighbours your contact details so they can raise any further questions.
If they have no objection ask neighbours for their support.
When the Council advises your neighbours of your planning application, prepare a letter of support for them with space for them to qualify their support if they wish, and supply a stamped addressed envelope.

Parish Council / Local Councillor on the Planning Committee

Presentations to both together if possible.
Same presentation as to neighbours.

The Planning Committee

Once your plans have been filed write to them individually explaining your proposals.
Keep communication crisp.
Bring to their attention any positive comments about "one-off" designs from any 'planning guidelines books'.

Involve the Local Press

Local press can be very helpful. Seek out the planning reporter and tell him/her what you are doing. They are likely to be very interested.