About pre-application planning advice and charges
If you'd like some advice or help with a planning application, you can get advice from us before you apply.
Getting advice from us helps make the process clearer and can lead to quicker decisions and can help you:
- Understand the opportunities and constraints of your site. We’ll outline key considerations such as design, access, environmental matters and relevant local policies.
- Know what information you need to submit.
- Spot issues early, reducing delays later.
- Improve the quality of your application.
Types of advice
We offer 2 levels of service:
- Standard pre-application advice - suitable for most proposals. You'll receive written advice to help you understand whether planning permission is likely to be needed, relevant planning policies and any key issues you should consider before submitting an application.
- Bespoke advice (Planning Performance Agreements) - suitable for larger or more complex developments. Planning Performance Agreements (PPA) provide tailored written advice, dedicated meetings to discuss your proposals, input from relevant consultees and an agreed level of ongoing support from the start of your project through to the final decision and any work afterwards
We charge for most types of our pre-application advice but the Planning Portal have free planning application guidance which you may find useful.