Establish council priorities. Find out what are the most important requirements. The importance of asking for the requirements to be fully justified. Particularly relevant for affordable housing and schools. For instance additional public open space on undevelopable land.
Councils have the opportunity to be flexible.
What you say and when you say it. Sell the advantages before somebody else sells the disadvantages. Get the local community on your side. Importance of communication with local councillors and discussing their needs. Try and meet the chair of the planning committee.