Rob wrote:
"jim" wrote

We engaged a professional to prepare, submit and negotiate to final
decision a "full plans" Building Regs application - the plans duly
went in to BC and *very* shortly after a bill arrived from said
designer asking for payment of the agreed fee in full on short terms.

That is what you agreed to. So why don't you want to pay for the service?

Re-read the first sentence: "...and negotiate to final decision...". The
service hasn't yet been completed.

Pete