Pre-planning advice can help you understand how the local planning authority may view your proposal before you commit to a full planning application.

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It is often useful where a project is not completely straightforward, or where you want early feedback before spending money on a full planning package.

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Pre-planning advice may be helpful for:

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• House extensions

• Loft conversions

• Garage conversions

• Garden buildings

• Change of use proposals

• New access or driveway proposals

• Demolition proposals

• Larger or more sensitive home projects

• Properties in conservation areas

• Sites with previous refusals or planning concerns

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A pre-planning enquiry is not the same as planning permission, but it can help identify:

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• Whether the proposal may be acceptable in principle

• What planning issues are likely to matter

• Whether the design may need changing

• What drawings or documents may be needed later

• Whether a full planning application is likely to be worthwhile

• Any concerns about neighbours, design, access, parking or local policy

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To give the planning officer a clear understanding of the proposal, the information needs to be presented properly. In most cases, a pre-planning package may include:

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• Clear photos of the property and site

• Photos of neighbouring buildings or the street scene

• Existing drawings where available

• Proposed drawings or sketches

• A site location plan

• A block plan or site layout where needed

• A short written report explaining the proposal

• Notes on the planning background and key issues

• Supporting information to help the officer understand what is being requested

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Professional support helps because a vague enquiry can lead to a vague response. If the council cannot understand the proposal properly, the advice may not be very useful.

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Planning Application Services (PAS) can help prepare a clear pre-planning advice package so the planning officer has the right information from the start.

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PAS can provide a full service, including:

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• Reviewing your project

• Advising what information is likely to be needed

• Preparing drawings or sketches

• Preparing the written pre-planning report

• Helping explain the proposal clearly

• Submitting or supporting the enquiry

• Reviewing the council’s response

• Advising on the next steps

• Preparing the full planning application if you decide to proceed

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Council response times vary, but pre-planning advice often takes around 8 weeks from submission. Some councils may be quicker or slower depending on workload, complexity and whether they need further information.

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Pre-planning advice can be a sensible first step where the planning position is uncertain. It can help you make better decisions before moving into a full planning application.

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Get expert help with your pre-planning enquiry

 

Whether you need early planning advice, drawings, sketches, a supporting report or full planning application support, Planning Application Services (PAS) can help you understand what is needed and provide a clear quote for the right level of support.

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Tell us what you are planning, send any photos, sketches or existing drawings you have, and we can advise on the next steps.