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Writer's pictureFidel Miller MRTPI

Pre-application Advice


Pre-application Advice

It may be worth exploring the benefits of preapplication advice if you are considering:

  • Conversion of a self contained dwelling into self contained flats

  • Adding another floor to a bloc of flats

  • HMO investment project

  • Change of use of land

  • Residential development project

The pre-application service offered by most local planning authorities is often a useful way to obtain advice from the decision making body as to whether there is a reasonable expectation that planning permission will be granted for your project.


This service gives you an opportunity to consult with the local authority planning officers and other interested specialist consultees before submitting a formal planning application. This can help to ensure that your application is successful and that any potential issues are addressed at an early stage and prior to submission of your application. The advice given is confidential between the LPA and the applicant. However, the pre-application procedures may also be an opportunity for you to engage with the local community and other stakeholders, which can be particularly important if your development is likely to have an impact on the surrounding area. By engaging with the community and other stakeholders, you can better understand their concerns and address any issues that are likely to arise. While the specific procedures and requirements will vary between Local authorities there are general tips that you can consider to increase the quality of advice given. First the quality of the scheme submitted at pre-application stage is likely to dictate the quality of written advice given. You should identify the relevant planning policies and guidance that apply to your development, and consider how your proposals align with these policies as it may not be worth the fees involved in applying for pre-application advice.


Once you have prepared your proposals, you should contact the local council to discuss your plans and to find out how to submit a pre application enquiry. You may also need to notify other interested parties depending on the nature of your development. After you have submitted your pre application enquiry, the council will review your proposals and provide you with feedback on any issues that may need to be addressed. This may include design and appearance, impact on neighbours or more general issues.


Pre application procedures can be an important step in the planning process for a property development project. By following these procedures and engaging with the local council and other interested parties, you can increase your chances of success.


Is Pre-application Advice Worth it?


An unfortunate drawback to the pre-application service offered by Council’s is that they do not contribute to performance statistics for Local Authorities measured by central government. As such they are not seen as a priority for planning departments which has resulted in extended response times and in some instances the pre-application advice service being withdrawn altogether for minor development projects. You should also consider seeking advice from planning consultants or other professionals, as they can help you to understand this aspect of the planning process and advise on whether seeking pre-application advice for your specific project is the best approach.


In respect to how to get planning permission it is worth speaking to a chartered town planner for site specific advice. Planning advice in London will vary from borough to borough and on a site by site basis. If you are in need of planning advice in London specific to your property development project or if you require planning permission help get in contact in order for us to help you overcome these challenges and increase your chances for success.


Fidel Miller MRTPI

London planning consultant

Planning consultant near me


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