When should a design review panel session take place ? ...
Ideally s chemes will come to The Design Review Panel a s early as possible , whilst the design is still fluid . Engaging in the design review panel process at an early stage means that a ll parties can derive maximum benefit from the advice on offer before the designs become too advanced. Obviously some designing needs to have happened before it can be reviewed , although increasingly design teams choose to come to us to discuss their project brief alongside a thorough site and contextual analysis, with only some very early concept sketches (RIBA stage 1) ; these sessions are extremely useful and ensure that the design team and the local authority are approaching a project with the same vision from the outset . For these very early reviews the discussion focuses on establishing design principles and objectives and exploring a range of design approach options. Mo st design teams come to us when the first draft of their proposals have been completed (RIBA stage 2) but before they have done so much detailed work that it is difficult , and potentially costly, to make changes. Some projects come to us once public consultation and discussions with key statutory consultees have been completed. This is not the best time though, as aspects of the design can become too rigid and fixed . We suggest it is best to book the first design review panel session to take place b efore, or around the same time, as these early discussions. Notwithstanding the above the design review panel process can still be very useful at a later stage ; shortly before or after a planning submission. If the applicant and their design team retain an open mind about making revisions to their application to address the Panel’s comments The Design Review Panel c an still help to improve the project and also help it through planning. It can also provide planning officers with guidance in recommending a decision and writing their report. We discourage applicants and their design teams from making extensive preparations for a design review panel session or fr o m postponing because they are ‘not ready’. The Panel welcomes reviewing work in progress and the process being carried out . The local authority can help reinforce the message that they should come early and not over- prepare.
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