Local small scale pre-application advice
If you know you need planning permission, we recommend seeking advice before submitting your application.
Fees
Paying online when you submit your pre-application is the fastest and most convenient option. For alternative payment methods, visit our Planning Payment Options page.
Residential development
Houses, flats, and self-contained dwellings (1 to 3 units):
- A charge of 35% of the Planning Application Fee applies, capped at £1,850.
Developments exceeding 3 units must use the local medium or major advice services.
Agricultural development
Erection of glasshouses for agricultural use:
- Charged at 35% of the Planning Application Fee, capped at £1,850.
General agricultural or forestry development:
- For prior notifications: 35% of the Prior Notification Application Fee.
- For proposals up to 465 sqm: 35% of the Planning Application Fee, capped at £1,850.
- For proposals exceeding 465 sqm: Use the local medium-scale pre-application advice service.
Change of use proposals
Single change of use:
- Charged at 35% of the Planning Application Fee, capped at £1,850
General change of use:
- Charged at 35% of the Planning Application Fee, capped at £1,850
Listed buildings
Interior changes (when planning permission is not required):
- No charge applies for advice on internal alterations such as cornices or internal doors.
Exterior changes (when planning permission is required):
- Charged at 35% of the Planning Application Fee, capped at £1,850. This includes changes like external doors, extensions, and windows
Conservation areas and other specific cases
Demolition in a conservation area:
- No fee is charged. However, if planning permission is also required, the relevant fee category will apply
Hazardous substances consent:
- No fee is charged. If planning permission is also required, the relevant fee category will apply
Works to trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) or within a conservation area:
- No fee is charged
Advertisement consent:
- No fee is charged. If planning permission is also required, the relevant fee category will apply
Miscellaneous exemptions
No fee is applicable for:
- works or alterations to improve access, safety, health, or comfort for a disabled person at their home
- enquiries from charities, community councils, constituted non-profit groups, or organisations
- enquiries related to properties where permitted development rights have been removed, either by condition or Article 4 Directions
What to include with your request
To be considered valid, your pre-application advice request must include the following:
Mandatory requirements include:
- completed online pre-application advice form
- a clear description of the proposed development
- the appropriate fee (paid online via the form)
- a location plan (scale 1:1250 or 1:2500) with the site outlined in red and other land owned/control marked in blue
- details of site access and drainage provisions
- sketches or drawings of the proposal
Desirable additions include:
- draft Design and Access Statement (if applicable)
- photographs of the site
- site layout plans and sections (scale 1:500 or 1:200)
- elevational drawings (scale 1:100 or 1:50)
Apply for pre-application advice
How we handle your request
Requests are processed similarly to statutory applications but without neighbour notification or advertising. Each request is validated, assigned a reference number, and allocated to a case officer.
Advice is provided in writing once all relevant information has been reviewed.
Response times
Our aims are to:
- send an acknowledgment and officer contact details within one week of validation
- issue a formal advice letter within six weeks of validation
Pre-application advice from us does not constitute formal consent or guarantee the success of any future statutory application. You are free to submit a planning application regardless of the advice received.