Before you make a planning application, we suggest you use our pre-application planning advice service. By using this service, you can check that you are on the right lines before you submit a full application. This could save you time and money, and will improve your chances of having your proposal approved.
Types of service
We offer 3 types of service:
- in-principle advice for permitted development enquiries
- basic in-principle pre-application without site visit - planning officer and policy advice only
- full standard pre-application with site visit and all relevant consultees
We can also arrange for the consideration of amended or additional plans and provide further meetings.
Pre-application advice is given in good faith and represents the case officer’s professional view of the information you have supplied at the time you have given it. The advice given will be as accurate as possible, but does not determine the outcome of your application.
Interactive guides
These interactive house, flat and shop guides provide easy access to information about planning permission and building regulations. There are also mini guides for specific projects.
View these guides on the Planning Portal:
How our advice service can help you
The pre-application process will be of particular importance to householders who are building or installing a new:
- extension (including a conservatory or a porch)
- garage or outbuilding
- property access point (or altering an existing one)
- dormer window or roof alteration
- wall or fence
- satellite dish
For enquiries about building a new house you should submit a developer pre-application enquiry, not a householder pre-application enquiry.
Mobile homes and flats are not classed as householder applications and do not have any permitted development rights and therefore require planning permission for any development.
Once the information has been assessed and any negotiations concluded, your case officer will seek to provide you with constructive and relevant written comments. If planning permission is required, advice to help you submit an application will be included.
Restrictive conditions advice
We can also help you if you don’t know whether you’re allowed to build something, for example, a new garage. Strict rules are in place to stop any building that might be seen as damaging to the area.
If you own your property, your solicitor will have notified you of any restrictive conditions on the property when you purchased it.