Pre-application planning advice

Once you know that you need planning permission, we can check if your plans are likely to be approved before you make the formal application, saving you time and money.

The benefits of obtaining pre-application advice include:

• an early indication if your plans might get approved
• a site visit, if required, by a case officer and advice followed up in writing
• time and money saved by submitting an unacceptable or incorrect planning application
• early identification of any issues that need to be addressed before submitting a formal planning application, including the need for specialist input relating to conservation or highways
• specialist guidance relating to landscaping, visual impact, ecology, trees, conservation and listed buildings
• our prior knowledge of your plans when we come to review your final application.

Cost

The fee for this advice service starts at just £60, and varies depending on the size and scope of your project. The fee you will need to pay will be calculated using the information you provide when completing the application form. View a full list of planning fees for all types of proposals including prior approvals, change of use, pre-application advice, as well as exemptions from payment.

Pay during the application

Payment can be made during completion of the pre-application advice request form

Pay for a previously submitted application

It can also be paid following submission, if either:

• You choose to pay after completing the form (payment instructions will be sent in a confirmation email)
• you need to pay for a form which was submitted on your behalf by a professional

Important information

It's easy to request application advice using our online form below. However, please take a moment to read this important information first:

• The quality of information that you submit will directly influence the level of advice we provide. Please try to include as much information as possible and to support this, with relevant plans and documentation. As you already know you need planning permission, you may already have had professional plans drawn up which you should submit with the online form below. If you don't have any professional plans you may feel comfortable drawing them yourself if your project is a simple 'householder' application. Take a look at what you'll need to submit to get pre-application advice for a 'householder' application.
• The advice we provide is done so in good faith and is given with the understanding that circumstances and information may change, which could alter the position in the future. It is not a formal response or planning decision.
  

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

  Request pre-application planning advice

We also offer specialist highways and protected historic environments advice services, should you need advice from our specialist teams relating to landscaping, visual impact, ecology, trees, conservation and listed buildings.