Pre-application consultation (PAC)
You must carry out pre-application consultation (PAC) for proposals classed as national or major developments. This is a legal requirement and must be completed before you submit your planning application.
PAC is not required where its a Section 42 or for local developments, but consulting the community is considered good practice.
Pre-consultation events
You should:
- hold at least 2 public consultation events so people can comment before your plans are finalised
- leave at least 14 days between the first and second event
- publish a notice in a local newspaper at least 7 days before each event
The notice must:
- describe the proposed development
- explain where to find more information
- give the date and location of the event
- explain how and when people can comment
- state that comments to the applicant are not formal representations to the council and that there will be an opportunity to comment when the planning application is submitted
Pre-application consultation report
You must submit a Pre-application Consultation Report with your planning application. The report must show how you consulted and how you considered feedback.
Include:
- dates and locations of public events
- any extra consultation or notifications required by the council
- additional steps taken to consult the public
- a list of bodies, groups and organisations consulted
- copies of materials sent to consultees and provided at events
- copies of any presentations shown at events
- photographs of display boards or models
- confirmation that attendees were told PAC does not replace the right to comment on the final application
- a summary of written responses and views raised at events
- the number of written responses and attendees
- how you took account of views raised
- how you gave feedback to the public on your consideration of those views