Planning issues are usually resolved amicably. But sometimes, bitter battles leave in their wake sore losers and bruised victors.

Major developers and local authorities can afford powerful teams of experts. The community can feel excluded if they can't muster similar resources. Dig deeper, and you may find mistrust between developers, the community and the planning authority.

Mediation and consensus building replace confrontation with negotiation and improve understanding from the outset.

A wholly independent trained mediator brings all the interested parties together. They then explore, in complete confidence, the possibility reaching an agreement that everyone can live with. No longer does the winner take all, while the loser is left with nothing.

The mediator must be independent, unbiased and competent, with a certificate from a respected training organisation. The Scottish Mediation Network is a good source of advice.

It will often help if the mediator knows the planning system. Look for membership of the The Royal Town Planning Institute - MRTPI or FRTPI.

By allowing the possibility of modifying a proposal, mediation can resolve objections and speed up the planning process. But it does not replace it - final decisions remain with the planning authorities.

Click here to predict the chances of reaching a mediated agreement on a planning issue.