Is The RIBA 'Stage Work Plan' Dead?

Right. I've just sat down with a wee Drambuie and Ice (a large one actually) in order to vent my frustrations on my blog.

I've been in the Architecture Business for over 10 years and in this short time I've seen many changes to the planning and warrant process to the extent that I now question the relevance of the Stage Work Plan.

Most of you will remember that the Stage Work Plan is a longstanding adopted framework by which Architects, The Design Team and typically the Construction Industry follow. It made a build a relatively easy 'process' with a known route and path to procurement.

I've noticed largely since establishing block architects that both planning and building authorities have really demanded too much information and all of it seems out of keeping with the Stage Work Plan.

Let me explain with a few recent examples, which in every way are only the tip of the ice berg.

We have recently been asked by Fife Council to add to our Site Location Plans the OS License Code BEFORE they will validate the application. Why is it the Council's remit to police such issues? They have delayed the registration of my Client's Application for something which is NOT a Planning Matter.

We are constantly asked on larger developments by Planners for full SUDS drainage designs. Why is this a Planning Matter? Surely the Stage Work Plan allows for this detail design during the Building Warrant or even Production Stages.

South Lanarkshire Council are undertaking a pilot scheme where we will need to provide coal reports for certain developments at the Planning Stage! This is an engineering matter usually undertaken by our engineers prior to warrant application!

Do you see where I am going with this? The information requirements are being brought forward by Planning Authorities and is out of keeping with the Stage Work Plan ultimately meaning that Our CLients are paying Much More and accepting a higher risk just to get through the Planning Stage. It's also getting much more difficult for us Architects to prepare and stick with fees as more and more information is being asked for up front at the Planning Stage!

Similarly Building Control are not much better! I am sure that all Architects will agree that other than window, door and finishes schedules we are now submitting 'Prodcution Drawings' for Building Warrant Application. It's impossible to advance a desigm to Production Stage without Planning and Building Control jumping on the design team demanding an amendment to the previously submitted applications. Architects are being choked by Planning and Building Control.

I for one would like the RIBA and RIAS to re-examine the Stage Work Plan or to redefine it so that it is in line with Planning and Building Control. Right now it's just a distant memory of little relevance to the industry!