Planning advice and guidance

We encourage all applicants to talk to us about development proposals before formally submitting an application. This allows both parties to understand any issues associated with the development and with positive discussions should reduce the likelihood of refusals.

For members of the public (non-professionals) our Development Control Team offer a Duty Service where advice and guidance on an informal basis is freely given Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:45am to 1:00pm here at the Civic Centre or by phone (please note with effect from 1st August 2011 these times have changed to those previously advertised).

The Duty Service aims to provide advice and clarity on:

• the planning process
• what type of permission may or may not be required (whether a proposal is considered permitted development)
• conservation areas, listed buildings, trees covered by a preservation order/in a conservation area
• types of plans and information required to be submitted with applications
• current planning applications to interested parties

We want to ensure unnecessary delays and confusion are avoided and a positive service is provided.

For Agents/Developers our Development Control Team offer a formal Pre-Application Advice Service during normal office hours (8:45am to 5:00pm) here at the Civic Centre (or on site by prior agreement) or by written response.

The Pre-Application meeting aims to:

• establish a clear understanding of the proposed development
• advise which local/national policy(ies) will apply to your proposal
• confirm what type of permission is required
• identify specific information that will be required to be submitted with an application
• give consideration to areas of improvement
• minimise any unnecessary delays allowing your application to be dealt with as quickly as possible
• ensure a higher quality of development is delivered throughout the borough

The advice and guidance received at this stage is given in good faith and will not guarantee or supply a definitive undertaking as to whether your proposal is likely to be approved.

Under the provisions of the Local Government Act 2003 we make a charge for pre-application advice.

The formalised procedure takes effect from 1 November 2010.

At our discretion we will not normally charge a fee for voluntary sector, charitable trust, non-profit organisations and parish council development enquiries.

For more information about this service, the associated charges and to download an application form, please click on 'Related Downloads' on the right hand side of this page.