Pre-application advice

Suspension of Pre-Application advice and Duty Planner service

The Council has reviewed its ability to reinstate fully our discretionary pre-application and duty planner services. Having had regard, however, to our staffing resources and our need to meet our statutory responsibilities as a Local Planning Authority, it is with regret that it is not possible to do so. 

We will, however, continue to offer pre-application services in relation to Major Development (with a meeting) and Strategic Proposals as well as works to both listed buildings and trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order. This is due to the national drive to increase housing provision and in particular, affordable housing in the right places and the Council's legal duties to protect and preserve the District's heritage buildings and sites in both the local and national interest, and its most valuable trees. As such, these must be given priority.

For customers that meet the above criteria, please note that our lead times for meetings are 4-6 weeks from the date of receipt of the pre-application enquiry and the necessary fee.

We appreciate that this is frustrating to some of our customers and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this might cause. 

(Updated 13th January 2025)