We've got a plannning application in at the moment. Someone from the planning department has just turned up to take photos without giving any notice. Does anyone work in planning? I was just wondering if this is the usual way they do things. Our architect took lots of photos so I'm just thinking maybe the neighbours might of opposed the plans. Any thoughts. Its only a single storey add on to the kitchen.

Why don't you phone them and ask?  My experience of planning officers are that they are enormously helpful with enquires.

This is a standard thing. It is usually just for the file.  All Planning applications require a site visit. 99% of the time nobody knows they were even there. :-) Don't worry about it.

We had a site visit too, and didnt realise till I rang to ask how the planning was progressing! don't worry, its all normal. The planning people are really helpful when they realise you are not going to shout at them, very often they can get difficult calls from people who are not happy with what has been decided, but they will go out of their way to help if they know you are genuine.

Thanks everyone you've put my mind at rest.