Define the project and its decision gates
Clarify the facility purpose, site, scope, design maturity and intended delivery route. Different structures or work packages within one investment may require different inputs and review paths. Link the roadmap to the decisions it must support: land commitment, design release, investment approval, tender, mobilisation and commissioning.
Build a responsibility and evidence matrix
Map land and planning inputs, source materials, surveys, design, applicable reviews, notifications, inspections, tests and acceptance activities without assuming that every item applies in the same way. For each item, record the owner, required input, acceptable evidence, decision gate and open dependency.
Connect approvals to the integrated programme
Permitting workstreams should be linked to design releases, survey results, site access, utility conditions, third-party interfaces, procurement and construction readiness. Show preparation, review comments, possible revisions and receipt of decision evidence—not only the intended submission date. Do not convert an unverified duration into a contract commitment.
Keep the roadmap live
Reassess the matrix when scope, design, classification or responsibility changes. A decision-ready output combines the permit register, document list, responsibility matrix, integrated milestones, critical risks and matters requiring qualified legal or specialist advice.