Frankie, you wrote 'I know from my own building certification and planning applications at my house, that I cant do anything until AFTER the council has given me permission.'That's not actually correct in planning terms as to breach planning control isn't a criminal offence, so you could do anything, but obviously you'd be at risk of the Council serving an enforcement notice, non-compliance with which is a criminal offence.Having worked in local government planning departments for ten years, I can say with certainty that there's no cosy meetings going on behind closed doors. The simple facts are that developers usually acquire sites which are clearly suitable for major residential development, and like any profit-making organisation would, they try to maximise the size, scale etc. of the development to secure maximium returns - I call that basic economics !.And in terms of marketing opportunities, surely if a developer knows it has a site that is ideal for residential development then it is going to market it ASAP - some people might not care about the exact spec of the property but be very keen on the location, so best to get them on board ASAP. Especially given the economic climate at the moment.I've actually just accepted an offer of employment to work as a Planning Manager for one of the big developers for that matter !.
Adam Beamish ● 6354d