Sometimes we may need to submit a pre-application to the council before entering a full planning application for your project. A pre-application serves as a way of obtaining informal feedback from the council about the feasibility of your proposed development. It’s a useful step before committing to the expense and time required for a full application. Submitting a pre-application can help both you and your architect identify any potential issues early on, verify local requirements, and address problems before proceeding further.

The process for submitting a pre-application can vary from one local council to another, but it generally involves sharing a summary of your proposed development, some initial drawings, and other supporting information. Once the pre-application is submitted, the council may offer suggestions for changes or ask for more details about the project. In some cases, you can also schedule an informal meeting with a planning officer to discuss your pre-application before formally submitting your full application. Some local authorities may charge for this pre-application service.

During this pre-application meeting, you can discuss any site-specific issues such as noise or traffic concerns, and inquire about any conditions the council might impose on your project. The aim is to clarify any uncertainties and to streamline the process for your eventual planning application.

Overall, submitting a pre-application offers you a chance to gauge whether your project has a reasonable likelihood of gaining approval. While this step can help save time and money, it can also increase the odds of successfully navigating that initial approval hurdle for your project.