Council wants us to use their pre-approved architects — is this allowed?

Bizarre situation. We submitted pre-app advice for a barn conversion and the council's response included a "suggested architects list" with 3 local firms.

We already have an architect we like (RICS registered, plenty of rural experience) who isn't on their list. When we mentioned this, the case officer said our architect "doesn't have sufficient familiarity with local character."

Can a council actually insist on specific architects? This feels like a massive conflict of interest, especially since one of the recommended firms is run by a former council planner.

A council absolutely cannot insist on specific architects. This is a breach of procurement rules and potentially corrupt. I'd escalate this to the council's Monitoring Officer and copy in your local councillor.

Also report it to the RTPI (Royal Town Planning Institute) if the case officer is chartered. They take conflicts of interest very seriously.

Already escalated. The Monitoring Officer has opened an investigation. We'll see what happens.