Improving the quality of development Planning briefs, through their role of interpreting development plan policy, can influence the design of a site. Where the planning brief is prepared by suitably qualified and skilled people, it can focus developers' attention on the unique characteristics of the site and improve the quality of development. However, there are pitfalls in seeking to improve the quality of development through planning briefs. They can ask for too much. Planning briefs which guide developers towards over-complicated solutions for sites may delay the development of the site.
Unrealistic requirements can introduce new hurdles into the development process.
Other planning briefs ask for too little. Some briefs invite development of a standard below that which ought to be attainable or which is commonly provided by developers. Such briefs have either a negative impact on the quality of development, or no impact at all. If a planning brief is to be worth preparing, it should aim to secure a higher standard of development than would have been achieved without it.