Charging for pre-application advice

Pre-application advice service

If you wish to take advantage of our pre- application advice service it couldn’t be easier. Simply fill out the pre-application advice request form and provide supporting plans, photos etc. so that we understand what you propose.  What you need to provide in detail is outlined on the pre-application form. 

What we will provide is: 

• A response in writing within 20 working days or within an agreed timeframe for smaller schemes. In this context, a smaller scheme consists of less than 10 dwellings, a proposed floor area of less than 1,000 metres squared or a site area of less than 1ha. A larger scheme is one which falls above these thresholds. 
• A response in writing within 30 working days or within an agreed timeframe for larger schemes. 
• Identification of the relevant site planning history. 
• Identification of the relevant constraints affecting the site. 
• The potential issues/impacts across the site boundaries. 
• Consultation with specialist colleagues and invitation for them to attend any meetings where appropriate. 
• Where a planning obligation (Section 106 Agreement) is likely to be required, we would seek to agree the likely content of such an agreement prior to the submission of an application. 
• Confirmation of what information/studies/ reports etc. are likely to be required/ submitted with your application. 
• Guidance how best to undertake consultation prior to the submission of the application with local residents and other groups. 
• An informal indication of the likely outcome of your proposed development, with an indication, where possible, of how it could be amended to improve the chances of a successful outcome. 

If you are unsure of the correct fee or category your proposal falls within, please contact the planning department for further advice. 

Any informal advice given is not binding on the council and is given in the spirit of helpfulness and is based upon the information provided to the Planning Officer.