Pre-application Advice

Duty officer system

The Council welcomes and encourages all applicants/agents to seek advice before submitting a planning application. It will mean that key issues are identified at an early stage and thereby speed up the determination of your planning application once submitted.

We operate a Duty Officer System whereby general planning advice is available from 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday. If you have a general enquiry about a planning matter please telephone or visit the offices between these times. If you visit the office please come to Planning Reception   no appointment needed. If you wish to see a specific officer please ring to make an appointment.

For more complex proposals it would be helpful if you could send in details in advance of any meeting with a Planning Officer. This could include an Ordnance Survey location plan, description of the site (including photographs) and sketch site layout/floor plans/elevations. These can be sent by post or by email.

Pre-application checking service

This service has been introduced to improve the standard of submissions, which enables applications to be registered as valid on receipt and avoid delay in the development process. It is available prior to formally submitting an application. It only applies in circumstances where planning permission is required and is not intended to relate to discussions about whether permission is needed. The service is only available in writing/email with necessary documentation   not by appointment in the office. Those using the service can expect a response within two working days. Charges will be £100 for a major development;  £50 for minor and other developments and  £25 for householder developments.