Whether you are redeveloping a commercial property, regenerating green belt land, or building on an existing piece of property. Before applying for planning permission, it’s advisable to apply for a pre-application, regardless of whether it’s a simple build or something out of the ordinary.
What is a pre-application?
A pre-application involves having a meeting with your Local Planning Authority (LPA) to discuss and review the following:
Merit | Design | Mass | Position | Area
In essence, by submitting a pre-application, you’re saying to the local authority “If I submit this, will you support my ideas?”.
The planning office will offer advice and check the submission against local and National policy, which usually takes around six weeks.
What are the benefits of submitting a pre-application?
There are several benefits of submitting a pre-application. To begin with, it’ll give you insight into common issues surrounding:
Power cables | Telephone lines | Footpaths | Public right of way | Sewers | Waterways
But that’s not all, other benefits include:
- Opportunities to explore audacious ideas before you submit planning that could result in a costly rejection
- Mapping potential designs prior to purchase
- Saving money by avoiding expensive architectural design revisions
With that in mind, it should be quick and simple to do right now.
Well, actually, no.
Issues you might face when submitting a pre-application
As of November 2022, planning departments across the UK are still dealing with a backlog of submissions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in applications is a result of people working from home during lockdown who decided that their homes needed changes.
There are only so many hours in the week and so many planning officers, resulting in an unnaturally large workload for most LPAs.
Is it worth paying for?
With the backlog of submissions, you might feel like it’ll be faster to submit your planning permissions and deal with changes later.
But this really isn’t cost-effective.
A pre-application is necessary for substantial and quirky ideas; otherwise, you may incur architect and resubmission fees later. However, if your submission is relatively standard, the application will likely be handled fairly quickly, whether the feedback is positive or negative.
Either way, even with the backlog, it pays to know where adjustments are needed before you submit a full planning application.
So, is it worth the investment?
Personally, it’s a resounding yes.
As of November 2022, planning departments across the UK are still dealing with a backlog of submissions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in applications is a result of people working from home during lockdown who decided that their homes needed changes.
There are only so many hours in the week and so many planning officers, resulting in an unnaturally large workload for most LPAs.
Talk to English Architectural
With more than 30 years’ experience in successful planning applications, the team at English Architectural can help. To find out more call us on 01787 275588 or email Mike@english-architectural.co.uk. We’d be delighted to discuss.