Top 10 Reasons Architects Achieve Higher Planning Success Rates in Manchester

Here are the top ten reasons why architects consistently achieve higher planning success rates in Manchester.

1. Deep Knowledge of Manchester's Local Plan:

Architects study Manchester's specific planning policies, including the Local Plan and supplementary documents, ensuring designs comply from the very beginning.

2. Understanding of Local Character:

They possess a keen understanding of the city's diverse architectural character, from Victorian terraces to modern developments, designing proposals that respect and enhance the local context.

3. Professional Quality Submissions:

An architect’s application is a comprehensive package of high-quality drawings, detailed reports, and clear design statements that leave no room for ambiguity.

4. Pre-Application Dialogue:

They often engage in pre-application discussions with council planning officers, identifying and resolving potential issues before a formal submission is even made.

5. Strong Relationships with Planners:

Architects build professional relationships with local authority planners, fostering a sense of trust and facilitating smoother, more collaborative negotiations.

6. Technical Proficiency:

They are experts in translating a creative vision into technically sound plans that meet all building regulations and safety standards, a key requirement for planners.

7. Justification and Negotiation Skills:

If challenges arise, an architect can expertly articulate the design rationale and negotiate effectively on your behalf, often turning a potential refusal into an approval.

8. High-Quality 3D Visualisations:

By creating realistic 3D renders, architects help planners and committees visualise the final project, demonstrating its quality and positive impact on the area.

9. Strategic Problem-Solving:

Architects are trained problem-solvers. They can anticipate potential objections—from overlooking to right-to-light issues—and design clever solutions into the plans.

10. Comprehensive Project Management:

Their involvement from start to finish ensures the project's integrity is maintained, giving the planning department confidence that the approved design will be built as intended.