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Pre-application planning advice

If you know that you will need planning permission, we offer a pre-application advice service that will tell you if your plans are likely to get planning permission. You can request different levels of advice based on your needs.

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Why we have a pre-application planning advice service

Once you know that you need planning permission, you can opt to use our pre-application planning advice service, so that we can check if your plans are likely to be approved before you make a formal planning permission application.

Once a formal planning permission application is submitted, we must look to make a decision within either 8 or 13 weeks. This tight timescale can make it difficult to address any issues that may be raised during the application process, and amendments to planning applications may not be accepted in certain circumstances. This can ultimately result in an application being refused.

The pre-application advice service allows our planners time to work on your scheme and to have discussions with you to seek improvements, and it allows time for any arising issues to be addressed before you submit your formal planning permission application.

Find out more about why amendments to planning permission applications may not be accepted

Specialist pre-application planning advice

You can also get specialist pre-application planning advice relating to highways, listed buildings, and protected environments, which will be dealt with by either our Planning Highway Transport Officers or our Conservation Officers.

What the pre-application planning advice service provides

We provide different levels of pre-application planning advice. Read the information below to see which is the most relevant to your project or view a summary of the services available.

Householder pre-application advice

Before applying for householder pre-application advice, you may need to:

In your pre-application enquiry please include:

Please note: only one option for each application can be submitted. Only the documents you submit with the form will be considered in providing the response.

We can provide different levels of advice depending on how much detail and support you want.

Charges for Householder Pre-Application Advice

We cannot give refunds on our pre-application service once we have validated your request. All fees include 20% VAT.

Level 1:

What you get:

  • Desktop assessment
  • Full planning history for the site
  • Consideration of relevant policies
  • Any site constraints
  • Officer opinion on proposal
  • Guideline for validation requirements
  • Officer site visit (at Case Officer’s discretion)
  • Consultation with relevant internal specialists (at Case Officer’s discretion).

The response provided will be based only on what has been submitted. This level does NOT include a meeting.

Level 2:

What you get:

  • All in Level 1
  • Meeting with Case Officer (1hr maximum).

The response provided will be based only on what has been submitted.

The cost of the time we take to provide advice is not covered by the statutory fee for making a planning application. The charge covers our costs for providing the advice that is being asked for.

Please note: any amendments will be dealt with as an add-on service at an additional cost (20 per cent of initial pre-application fee).

Charges for Householder Pre-Application Advice

All fees include 20% VAT.

Development Type:Level 1Level 2
Householder development – Alterations/Extensions to an existing dwellinghouse£300
(£250 + VAT)		£450
(£375 + VAT)
Householder development – Works within/along the boundary of an existing dwelling£180
(£150 + VAT)		£330
(£275 + VAT)
ADD-ON ServiceLevel 1Level 2
Amendments – add-on service following initial response20% of fee paid on initial pre-app20% of fee paid on initial pre-app
Householder development – Works within/along the boundary of an existing dwelling£150£150

Pre-application timescales

After you have submitted and paid for your request for pre-application advice, we will aim to acknowledge that we have received your application and tell you which case officer has been allocated to your case, within 5 workings days.

We aim to provide a written response within 4 weeks of sending of your pre-application acknowledgement for Level 1 householder advice and within 6 weeks for Level 2 householder advice.

All other development pre-application advice


We cannot give refunds on our pre-application service once we have validated your request.

If you want to build new homes, convert your property into flats, build new offices or factories or change the use of a building or land, our pre-application advice service can help you.

Please note: for extensions/alterations to an existing dwelling please see our Householder Pre-Application Advice.

How to apply

You can only apply by using our online form.

  • You will need to provide:
    • a location plan
    • details of your proposal
    • Design Code Compliance Checklist (if possible) or design statement
    • the appropriate fee
  • Please note: that only one scheme for each application can be submitted
  • Only the documents you provide with the form can be considered when making the response.

We can provide different levels of advice depending on how much detail and support you want.

Level 1:

What you get:

  • Desktop Assessment
  • Full planning history for the site
  • Consideration of relevant policies
  • Any site constraints
  • Officer opinion on proposal
  • Design code information and advice on compliance checklist
  • Guideline for validation requirements.

The response will only be provided on what has been submitted. This level does NOT include a meeting, site visit or advice from internal specialists.

Please note: this level cannot be used for a Listed Building.

Level 2:

What you get:

  • All in Level 1
  • Site visit by officer (at their discretion)
  • Speaking with internal specialists.

The response will be based only on what has been submitted. This level does NOT include a meeting.

Level 3:

What you get:

  • All in Level 1 and 2
  • Meeting with case officer (1hr maximum).

The response will be based only on what has been submitted. This level does NOT include a Specialist Officer’s attendance at the meeting.

Level 4:

What you get:

  • All in Level 1, 2 and 3 plus
  • Specialist Officer (Highways or Conservation Officer) to attend the meeting with Case Officer (1hr maximum).

A response will only be provided on what has been submitted.

Please note: any amendments will be dealt with as an ADD-ON service at an additional cost (20% of initial pre-application fee).

Pre-application timeframe

We aim to let you know that we have received your application within 5 working days. From the date of this acknowledgement, we aim to give a written response within 4 weeks for Level 1 pre-application advice and 8 weeks for Level 2, 3 and 4 pre-application advice.

Charges for all non-householder pre-application advice

Please note: all fees include 20% VAT.

Residential:

Development TypeLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4
1 dwelling (if number of dwellings not known – site area less than 0.5ha)£210£300£450£600
2-9 dwellings (if number of dwellings not known – site area between 0.5ha and 1ha)£420£600£750£900
10-49 dwellings (if number of dwellings not known – site area between 1ha and 1.5ha)£600£1,728£1,878£2,028
50 or more dwellings (if number of dwellings not known – site area more than 1.5ha)£2,100£5,184£5,334£5,484

Non-residential:

Development TypeLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4
Up to 500sq.m floor space£210£300£450£600
Over 500sqm up to 1000sq.m floor space£420£600£750£900
Over 1000sqm up to 3000sqm floor space£1,200£3,456£3,606£3,756
Over 3000sqm floor space£2,100£5,184£5,334£5,484

Other types:

Development TypeLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4
Advertisements£102£180£330£480
Variations to conditions attached to a planning permission£102£180£330£480
Change of Use of land (where no buildings are proposed)£210£300£450£600
Use of land for siting of holiday accommodation (up to 0.5ha)£210£864£1,014£1,116
Use of land for siting of holiday accommodation (over 0.5ha up to 1ha)£600£1,728£1,878£2,028
Use of land for siting of holiday accommodation (over 1ha)£2,100£5,184£5,334£5,484
Agriculture (up to 465sq.m floor space)£72£102£252£402
Agriculture (over 465sq.m up to 1000sq.m floor space)£300£450£600£750
Agriculture (over 1000sq.m floor space)£1,200£2,502£2,652£2,802
Other development – Single Use/Mixed Use, Renewable Energy Proposals (excluding Wind) site area up to 1ha£600£1,728£1,878£2,028
Other development – Single Use/Mixed Use, Renewable energy Proposals (excluding Wind) site area 1ha up to 5ha£1,200£3,456£3,606£3,756
Other development – Single Use/Mixed Use, Renewable energy Proposals (excluding Wind) site area over 5ha£2,100£5,184£5,334£5,484
Wind – small wind farms (1 to 3 turbines)£1,200£3,456£3,606£3,756
Wind – medium to large wind farms (4 or more turbines)£2,100£5,184£5,334£5,484

Add-on service

Development TypeLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4
Amendments – add-on service following initial response20% of fee paid on initial pre-app20% of fee paid on initial pre-app20% of fee paid on initial pre-app20% of fee paid on initial pre-app
Additional meeting£150£150£150£150

The cost of the time we take to provide advice is not covered by the statutory fee for making a planning application. The charge covers our costs for providing the advice and so it is not met by council tax payers.

The fees are based on the size of the proposal and the level of detail required. 

Specialist pre-application advice (highways or listed buildings)

We can offer specialist pre-application advice services in relation to:

  • works solely relating to listed buildings
  • transport assessments and statements
  • travel plans
  • parking requirements
  • Section 38 or 278 Legal agreements

The benefits

The benefits of obtaining specialist advice include the following:

  • You will get a thorough understanding of how local and national planning policies will be applied by East Riding of Yorkshire Council
  • Early indication if a proposal is likely to be acceptable or not
  • An application that is submitted in accordance with the pre-application advice provided by officers should be validated more quickly and is more likely to benefit from a positive officer recommendation
  • The pre-application process has led to issues being resolved at an early stage, resulting in efficient decision-making and project delivery.

What you will receive:

  • Up to a one-hour long meeting with a relevant officer
  • a written response. Please note: this does not include subsequent meetings or further written responses. Any subsequent meetings and responses would attract an additional fee to be agreed between the parties.

What is required from you:

A specialist advice pre-application form to be completed and accompanied by the following basic information:

  • Location plan (e.g. 1:1250)
  • Plans showing the proposal
  • Existing and any previous known uses of land
  • Draft Design and Access Statement
  • Any known restrictions on the land.

The more information that is provided at this stage, the more detailed a response can be given.

Each pre-application form, fee and supporting information must only relate to one site.

Please note: the advice given by a specialist officer will be given in good faith and without prejudice.

Charges for specialist pre-application advice

Specialist advice – Listed buildings and BNG metric check

Proposed Development TypeFee
Specialist advice on works relating to listed buildings£155 per hour plus VAT
Pre-application BNG metric check£520 plus VAT

Specialist Advice – Highway development management

Proposed Development TypeFee
Specialist advice on Highway Development Management. Small, Major or Large development, as well as Transport Assessments and Travel Plans.

Please note: a minimum of 3 hours will be expected for any request. If your request for advice is expected to take longer than 3 hours you will be contacted following your application submission. 		£105 per hour plus VAT (minimum of 3 hours)

Pre-application planning advice summary

Householder development

Level of service Level 1 Level 2
Desktop assessment
Full planning history for the site
Consideration of relevant policies
Site constraints identified
Officer opinion on proposal – written response
Guideline for validation requirements
Officer site visit *
Consultation with relevant internal specialists *
Meeting with case officer (1hr maximum)
Response time 4 weeks 6 weeks

At officers discretion

Non-householder development

Level of service Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
Desktop assessment
Full planning history for the site
Consideration of relevant policies
Site constraints identified
Written response
Detailed officer opinion on proposal
Guideline for validation requirements
Officer site visit
Consultation with relevant internal specialists
Meeting with case officer (1hr maximum)
Meeting with specialist officer (highways/conservation officer) (1 hr maximum)
Response time 4 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks 8 weeks

Benefits to you

Pre-application planning advice can:

  • save you time and money by reducing unacceptable planning application submissions
  • depending on the level of service you select, it can identify issues that need to be addressed before submitting a formal planning permission application, and provide an informal forum to resolve these issues.
  • ensure we have prior knowledge of your proposal and plans when we come to review your formal planning permission application
  • identify whether you would benefit from any specialist service advice relating to conservation, highways or design.

Written representation appeal S106 and UU enquiry

The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) has recently announced that it is making changing changes to the validation process for Written Representation Planning Appeal (this does not relate to Public Enquiries or Informal Hearings). Where a development is subject to a legal agreement, whether this be a Section 106 agreement (S106) or a Unilateral Undertaking (UU), PINS will now only consider the submission with a completed agreement.

Both S106 agreements and UU’s require work by the Local Planning Authority. In the case of a S106 agreement, we would prepare this document in collaboration with an applicant’s representative and they would need to sign this document.

A UU is where an applicant provides a legally binding document that commits them to specific requirements. An LPA is not a party to this agreement, but we need to check this to ensure the document is legally-binding and correct for the purposes of a planning assessment.

In both instances, this requires work from both the case officer and the council’s legal officers and therefore results in a cost to the LPA. In the past, we have dealt with this on an ad-hoc basis, with no procedure. This has also been conducted informally outside of the appeal process and has resulted in a lot of officer time spent with no fee secured as part of this. As a consequence, there has been a cost to the LPA.

To address this issue, we have now introduced a new process. From 1 November 2024, if an applicant is looking to submit a Planning Appeal, which requires a legal agreement, a Legal Obligation PREP will need to be submitted with a fee of £500 payable on submission.

Cost and payment

Cost

The fee for pre-application planning advice service starts varies depending on whether your request is for householder or non-householder advice and the type of service you choose and the size and scope of your project.

The fee you will need to pay will be calculated using the information you provide when completing our online pre-application planning advice form.

To view the fees please refer to the 'Guide to the fees for planning applications' page, within the section Non-statutory fees.

Payment

You can opt to pay by credit or debit card when you complete our online pre-application planning advice request form.

Alternatively, you can pay after the form has been submitted. This is a useful option if a professional submits a form on your behalf. Payment instructions will be sent in a confirmation email.

Pay for a previously submitted pre-application advice request

Request pre-application or specialist pre-application advice

Important information - please read

It is easy to request pre-application planning advice using our online form below, however, please take a moment to read this important information first:

  • Any advice provided is informal and provided in good faith, based on the information and evidence made available at the time. Such advice is the individual opinion of the Officer and is not a formal decision of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s planning service.
  • Fees for pre-application advice are non-refundable unless a meeting is cancelled by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
  • Requests for charged pre-application advice will be assessed weekly. Applicants will be advised in writing within 15 working days of a suitable time and date for a meeting. You will be asked to submit the appropriate fee to the council prior to any meetings.
  • The council reserves the right to decline a request for pre-application advice where it is not considered either appropriate or necessary.

Disclosing information

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s planning service does not publicise details of pre-application discussions until a planning application has been submitted. The advice we provide under this service is generally confidential until a related application is submitted and development proposals are publicly available. We automatically publish any advice we have provided once the related application is submitted. At that point there is normally no reason under any legislation to insist the advice is confidential.

Applicants and developers should be aware that information related to pre-application requests may be subject to requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. The Act and Regulations include some exemptions from the need to disclose confidential/commercially sensitive information.

In cases where applicants consider the specific information is exempt from the requirements of the Act or the regulations, the justification for exemption should be provided to the local planning department and submitted as an attachment to the pre-application submission.

Please note: it will be at the discretion of the authority to decide whether to release or withhold information if requested.

Please also note: your application will not be processed until payment is made.

Select the option you require and follow the instructions to log in or register an account when prompted.

Request pre-application planning advice

Request specialist pre-application advice for highways

Request specialist pre-application advice for protected and historic environments

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Please note:

You can use our householder pre-application service for general planning queries and advice on proposals prior to the submission of a planning application.

Please note

use this service if you are planning on building new homes, converting your property into flats, building new employment spaces, or changing use, etc. (anything other than alterations/extensions to an existing dwellinghouse).

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