Pre-application advice

Pre-Application advice and Duty Planner service - update 03 August 2026

We recognise the value of pre-application advice to our customers and can confirm that the Council is currently reviewing this service with the intention of reinstating it.

Work is underway to finalise how the service can be delivered in a way that is sustainable and consistent with our statutory responsibilities.

We are delighted to be able to offer an in-person Duty Planner Service for residents seeking guidance on minor works to their homes or within their property's curtilage.  Residents can attend the Council Offices without and appointment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10:00am and 1:00pm.

Please note that Duty Planner advice is provided in-person only and is not available by telephone.

While we are not yet in a position to reinstate the wider pre-application service fully, we are in the process of looking to widen our pre-application service to be able to respond to more detailed queries or guidance sought by agents or developers. This remains an active piece of work and we will publish further information on this page once arrangements have been confirmed.

Until that time, pre-application advice remains currently unavailable while service arrangements are being finalised, except for pre-application services in relation to Major Development (with a meeting) and Strategic Proposals as well as works to both listed buildings and trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order.