Analysis: What is a pre-application?

A pre-application is a less formal way of discussing a proposed development with a local council. Although central government encourage local council to use pre-apps, unlike the formal planning application process, each council can use their own system for a pre-app.

What does a Pre-app consist of?

This varies from council to council. In general a developer submits a summary of the proposed project and receives feedback from the council on how their policies might affect it and what issues there might be. This feedback can be by letter, email or a face-to-face meeting.

The pre-app can include sketched drawings, photos of the site, descriptions of what would be built, and for larger developments what the effect will be on infrastructure such aa roads, footpaths, sewers, power and telephones.

The amount of detail presented, unlike a full planning application, is up to the developer.

What’s the use of the Pre-app?

Importantly, there is no risk of a formal rejection of your plan, and the costs associated with. It is particularly useful for new builds or for projects that are a little out-of-the ordinary, or perhaps where local constraints exist such as being within a conservation area.

Most helpful is that the feedback from the planning officer allows a developer to tune the formal application. This could be issues with the design features or the effect on the environment or neighbours. The greatest benefit is that the planning officer, being involved in the developer’s ideas early on, becomes invested in them to a degree and is more supportive of them than they would be otherwise.

Is there a Requirement to submit a Pre-app?

There isn’t, but some councils encourage them. Test Valley say that developers should “seek the Council’s advice on all but the most straight forward cases”.

How much does it Cost?

Each council sets its own scale of fees. Test Valley Borough Council’s fees range from £58 for a proposal from a householder, to £763 for developments of 10-20 houses.

How Long does it Take?

Test Valley aims to provide a response to a pre-application within 40 working day.