Pre-planning application advice

The Highway Authority response to pre-application enquiries is currently limited due to staff resource. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

About pre-application planning advice service

The Planning Portal website and Welsh Government website provides free information about planning issues and the application process. 

If you would like more specific advice about your proposal you can pay for pre-application planning (pre-app) advice from the planning team. 

What we offer

Our pre-app service provides an opportunity for you to discuss your proposal with us before submitting a formal application.

The service is for householders, owners of listed buildings, residential developers and commercial developers.

The online form walks you through the process, provides an opportunity to request specialist advice, calculates your fee and allows you to pay online.

It is not compulsory. However, there are many benefits from getting early advice.

Benefits of pre-app planning advice

Using the pre-app planning service can help ensure you prepare a planning application for submission which:

• Takes into consideration the requirements of local and national planning policies
• Includes the relevant supporting documents

It can also:

• Identify and offer access to relevant specialist input at an early stage
• Assist in the preparation of proposals for formal submission, which should speed up the decision making and improve outcomes
• Reduce the time you or your professional advisors spend in working up the proposals
• dentify proposals that are completely unacceptable, saving you the cost of pursuing a formal application
• Any advice given by council officers for pre-application enquiries does not indicate a formal decision by the council as local planning authority. The advice we give in a pre-app enquiry relates to the merits of the proposal and planning material considerations only. We recommend using a planning agent to assist you with your planning application.

Pre-application planning advice fees

This is a paid-for service. Our online form automatically calculates a tailored fee, depending on the level of service you request and the type of proposal.

What information will I receive for a paid statutory enquiry?

The written response received will normally contain the following information -

•  The relevant planning history for the site
•  The relevant development plan policies against which the development proposal would be assessed
• Relevant supplementary planning guidance
• Any other material consideration
• An initial assessment of the proposed development based on the above information
• Whether a Section 106 agreement would be sought (where applicable)

When can I expect a response?

The Authority will endeavour to provide a written response to all valid enquiries within 21 days, unless an extension of time is agreed between the Authority and the applicant.  

Apply for pre-planning advice Pre-Planning Application