It's not just planning and building control, the plans go to numerous departments including environmental health, highways etc for any input before being presented at committee for approval (once a month merting).
Considering the council has lost around 60% of its staff over the last 4 years the delay is nothing new. It's irrelevant if we are leasing finch farm because there are companies who have pumped millions into the city centre regeneration and had to wait for approval
The truth doesn't matter to him though, he reckons a good consultant would have this sorted haha.
Consultants are that lazy and easy going I'm considering to join them.