On this page: How to obtain advice about planning - to avoid some of the pitfalls - before starting the process itself.
We supply consistent and timely advice that reduces the risks involved in making a planning application, which can help reduce the time taken to progress an application through the formal decision making service.
Different Types of Planning Application
In order to tailor the pre-application service to the needs of the user, planning application types are separated into three categories - with each category being subject to a different pre-application process:
Householders
- All householder applications (e.g. extensions and conservatories)
Non-strategic/Non-householder
Less than 250 dwellings
25,000 square metres of commercial floorspace and below
Mixed use developments on 1.0 hectare, or less
Strategic
250 dwellings or more
25,000 square metres of commercial floorspace and above
Mixed use developments on 1.0 hectare, or more
For strategic-scale proposals, please contact us to arrange an inception meeting, where we can discuss the principle of the scheme and agree an approach to taking it forward.
Pre-planning Application Advice (Householders)
We offer 'full' and 'basic' levels of service. There is a charge for the ‘full’ householder pre-application service.
The 'Full' Service
We offer constructive advice with the aim of agreeing a design approach at the pre-application stage that satisfies our policies and that is acceptable to you.
There is a fee of £75 for written advice or £100 if a meeting on site is required.
How to Apply for this Service
Please complete the application form, which is available as a downloadable PDF file:
Request for Pre-planning Advice (Householder form) (162Kb)
The 'Basic' Service
If the 'full' service is not appropriate - e.g. for advice on whether your proposal requires planning permission in the first instance - free advice is available through the Planning Portal website (www.planningportal.co.uk)
We can also offer advice on what information you will need to submit as part of any planning application or provide assistance with filling in the application forms - please contact us.
Pre Planning Application Advice (Non-Strategic / Non Householder)
Through open and constructive pre-application discussions, officers can help deliver a development that meets the Council’s expectations, while saving you time and money through smoothing the planning process and optimising the potential of the site.
The aim of the service is to remove, as far as possible, uncertainties as to what is likely to be approved or rejected. This will enable you to proceed with more confidence and will reduce the risks of additional costs arising from failed applications or redesign work.
Charges
In order to resource this service there is a charge to cover the costs incurred:
Housing schemes: 20% of what would be the equivalent planning application fee for the same proposal (with a minimum fee of £100)
Non-Housing schemes: 10% of what would be the equivalent planning application fee for the same proposal (with a minimum fee of £100)
These fees are in addition to the full planning fee.
How to Apply for this Service
Please complete the application form, which is available as a downloadable PDF file:
Request for Pre-planning Advice (non householder form) (140Kb)
Free Services
Planning Officers can provide you with high level 'in principle' advice over the phone.
There is no charge for pre-application advice involving proposals that would not normally incur a fee at the planning application stage (e.g. Listed Building applications), and where proposals relate to a defined regeneration or renewal area (e.g. within Swindon town centre).
Please contact us to discuss your needs.