When meeting any planning officer  ( P. O. ) always take:-

1) A good look at the HMSO publication Planning Charter Standards. This is available free from the foyer at Tunbridge Wells Planning Department in the Civic Centre. Page 14 says P. O.s  should give you "advice".

2) Your time - never be rushed. If you do not understand something, ask for it to be re-explained. Reason Committees are composed of ordinary people like you, and planning is quite understandable.

3) Notes. Always note down who you are speaking to and what they are telling you. Reason You may not be dealing with that P. O. again.

4) A witness. Reason In case your recollection differs from the P.O.'s.

5) The chance to reconvene. Particularly if a P. O. arrives out of the blue and says he cannot make timed appointments. Invite him politely but firmly to come back when you have a witness to hand.

6)  An ultra violet pen when viewing files. Reason To sign the obverse of any important document in case a substitute reappears on the file. 

7)  A non digital camera. Reason In case a valuable document disappears from the file.

8) To-day's newspaper. Reason To place under the document(s) being photographed to prove incontrovertibly that it existed on the day.