Pre-application advice service

Pre-application enquiries

For all pre-application enquiries, you'll need to:

• pay the correct service charge
• submit a completed pre-application form including a development description

You will also need to submit drawings and documents based on the works you want to get advice about. Use our validation checklist to find out more about each of these requirements. 

For all pre-application enquiries, you'll need to submit:

• a site plan
• a location plan
• existing and proposed plans, sections and elevations
• photographs of the site
• any other drawings or supporting documents relevant to the development type

Early engagement strategy

Once we confirm your pre-application, and your project is broadly in line with planning policy, you must discuss the need for an Early Engagement Strategy (EES) with your case officer.

You must submit an Early Engagement Strategy for:

• major applications with 10 or more proposed residential homes
• major applications with 1,000 sqm or more of non-residential floorspace
• council owned projects with 1 or more proposed residential homes
• council owned projects with any change to commercial floorspace 

You should:

• publish a draft EES and draft plans before submitting your planning application
• submit the completed EES with your planning application

The EES helps to make sure you involve residents and local businesses from the start of your project.

• You can find more information by:
• downloading an early engagement strategy template
• visiting statement of community involvement and development consultation charter

Listed building applications

For listed building applications, you’ll also need to send us:

• a design and access statement
• a heritage statement