Planning service pre–application scheme guidance

The reasons to seek pre-application advice

The pre-application advice service offers you constructive and without prejudice advice on the likelihood of your proposal receiving planning permission. The pre- application advice aims to provide the following benefits:

  • establish whether the 'principle of a particular development' is acceptable prior to submitting a formal planning application
  • understand planning policy requirements and constraints (including the relevant planning history) that apply to your site
  • avoid costly mistakes and saving time
  • identify key planning issues or potential problems early on and to explore potential solutions
  • find advice about how to improve your development proposal and to suggest amendments
  • ensure that consultees are consulted and engaged from the outset of the process including identifying external consultation requirements
  • find general advice on the necessary information (including technical reports) to accompany your planning application for validation purposes
  • identify a case officer who will usually deal with both the pre-application advice and formal planning application
  • find advice on expected planning obligations and financial contributions.