Planning Performance Agreements

What is a Planning Performance Agreement?

A Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) is a collaborative approach to working with Rushcliffe Borough Council throughout the planning process. 

A PPA establishes a set of general principles to guide collaborative working between the parties in the determination of a planning application. They are agreed in the spirit of a ‘memorandum of understanding’ in line with Government advice in its Planning Practice Guidance. The signing of a PPA does not commit the local planning authority to a particular outcome nor prejudice in any way the outcome of the applicable planning processes or the impartiality of Council; it is instead a commitment to a process and timetable for determining the application.

The PPA sets out the:

• resources required, including specialist officers and project management support
• roles, responsibilities, and actions expected from all parties
• key milestones and estimated timescales
• approach to community engagement
• other relevant considerations, such as planning obligations (Section 106 agreements)

PPAs typically begin at the pre-application stage and can continue through the formal planning process and post-decision stages. However, they can also be initiated at any point before a formal planning application is submitted. 

While PPAs can be used for any type of application, they are particularly beneficial for large or complex developments.

Benefits of a Planning Performance Agreement

The key benefits of a PPA are as follows;

• Identification of key issues and relevant consultees at an early stage;
• Setting more realistic and predictable timetables, with a structure of deadlines and action points;
• Improved collaborative working between the key stakeholders;
• Better overall management of advice at pre-application and post application stages;
• Greater accountability, transparency and communication;
• Better project management with a guarantee of dedicated Council resources;
• Removal of statutory timescales for the determination of applications;
• Greater commitment from relevant consultees to respond in a timely manner, particularly internal consultees;
• Better commitment to community engagement and consultation, enabling communities to influence planning decisions;
• Ability to recover costs, thereby reducing the financial burden on Council resources.

Entering into a Planning Performance Agreement

To set up a PPA, applicants must provide key details to ensure the agreement is tailored to meet the needs of all parties involved. 

This includes:

• a description of the proposed development, including the number of units or floorspace
• the type of application (full, outline, or hybrid)
• a site location plan identifying the area concerned
• details of land ownership and promotion arrangements, outlining relevant stakeholders
• information on previous pre-application discussions (if applicable)
• an estimated number of pre-application meetings and written responses required
• a list of key consultees to be involved in the process
• proposed timescales for submission and determination of the application

A PPA helps ensure a structured, efficient, and transparent planning process, leading to better outcomes for both developers and the community.

If you would like to discuss setting up a Planning Performance Agreement with the Council please contact the Development Management Team at planningandgrowth@rushcliffe.gov.uk.

If a PPA is to be entered into, then the Council will prepare the first draft and share this with the applicant. Alternatively the applicant may provide the first draft. A copy of a blank PPA template is available on request.

Although the applicant may request a PPA, the Council will have the final determination as to whether to enter into a PPA or not.

Signing of a Planning Performance Agreement 

Negotiation is normally undertaken to ensure that the cost and timetable/programme is agreed by both parties to ensure that the resource of the Council is in place prior to the work being undertaken. When agreed, the applicant will sign and date the PPA first and this will be countersigned by the Council – either the Planning Development Manager or Assistant Director of Planning.

A copy of the finalised version of the PPA will be placed publicly on the planning application file so that the agreed process and timescales are transparent. Signatures and email addresses will be redacted.

During the course of the PPA timetable/programme, this may be reviewed by the parties to ensure that the timetable is adhered to and revised timetable/additional costings may be agreed.