What you get
Depending on the council and the fee level, pre-app advice ranges from a written response to a meeting or site visit with the case officer and specialists, such as conservation, highways or urban design. Larger schemes may use a planning performance agreement for a series of meetings and an agreed timetable.
When it’s worth it
- New homes and infill sites: to agree the principle, density and layout before investing in full designs.
- Heritage: listed buildings and sensitive conservation areas, where the conservation officer’s view is decisive.
- Unusual proposals, or sites with a refusal history.
- Before buying a site, as part of due diligence.
When it may not be
For straightforward extensions, pre-app can add weeks for little benefit. A strong application that follows the council’s design guide is often the faster route.
Getting the most from it
- Submit clear drawings and a short planning statement setting out the policy case.
- Ask specific questions.
- Present options where the key judgements are uncertain.
- Respond to the advice in your application and explain how you have addressed it.
Want advice on your site?
Tell us what you’re planning and we’ll explain where you stand, in plain English.
Sources
This article is general information about planning in England at the date shown. It is not advice on any particular site, and the law and policy may have changed since. Please speak to us before relying on it.