It’s tough when a planning appeal doesn’t go your way, especially for reasons completely out of your control. We recently received the decision on a significant appeal for a client, and unfortunately, it was dismissed.
The challenging part? Our case at the appeal was incredibly strong. Every single point the council raised in their initial refusal was soundly countered and effectively dismissed during the appeal process. The planning inspector’s site visit and our robust arguments demonstrated the merits of our client’s proposal against all existing policy and evidence.
However, just days after that site visit, the site was officially designated as liable to surface water flooding. This new, unforeseen information, understandably, played a significant role in the final decision. Despite our comprehensive case built on the information available at the time, this shifting ground proved decisive.
Explaining this outcome to the client was incredibly difficult. When you’ve invested so much time, effort, and belief in a project, and the goalposts effectively shift mid-game due to new, unforeseen data, it’s a bitter pill to swallow. Our clients trust us to navigate complex planning landscapes, and while we always strive for the best possible outcome, sometimes external factors intervene in unexpected ways. Communicating that nuanced reality, especially after years of successful results, requires a lot of empathy and transparency.
Honestly, even deciding to post about this was a moment of hesitation. For years, we’ve maintained an unbroken record when it comes to planning appeals, a testament to our meticulous preparation and deep understanding of planning policy. Sharing a setback, even one beyond our direct influence, feels counterintuitive when you’re used to celebrating wins.
This experience, however, has reinforced my belief in the value of transparency and authenticity in our professional lives. It’s easy to fill our feeds with “brag posts” about every success – and rightfully so, we should celebrate our achievements! But the true learning, and often the deepest connection with our peers and clients, comes from openly discussing the challenges too.
This situation really highlights the increasing importance of resilience and environmental considerations in all development. It’s a stark reminder that we always need to be prepared for evolving data and assessments, and that the planning process is not static. Reflecting on losses, even publically, helps us to learn, adapt, and ultimately become better at what we do. It also fosters a more realistic and supportive professional community.
We’re already working closely with our client to explore next steps and alternative strategies. Every challenge presents an opportunity to learn, adapt, and reinforce our commitment to finding solutions, even in the face of unexpected obstacles.
#PlanningAppeal #Resilience #ClientRelations #Transparency #ProfessionalGrowth
