Bulky waste
Due to resource issues, we cannot take bulky waste phone calls today. The phone line will be open again at 9:30am on 22 April. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Planning application advice for developers
Find out what planning application advice our Planning Team can give developers.
Pre-Application Advice and Planning Performance Agreements
Our quality advice for developers and agents can help speed up the development process and avoid delays caused by proposals that can’t be accepted.
Pre-Application Advice
Our experienced Planning Team give professional advice before applicants submit a planning application and are committed to delivering positive planning advice to help you improve your schemes.
We can provide local knowledge and advise on the relevant national and local planning policies or guidance. We will explain relevant planning history and advise on the procedure, the consultation, and estimated timescales for your application once submitted. We will also offer informal comments on your scheme without prejudice.
Our Pre-application services will help you:
- avoid mistakes and save time
- understand planning policy requirements and constraints that apply to your site
- identify potential problems early on and explore potential solutions
- improve your development proposal.
We charge a fee for all pre application proposals under the provision of the Local Government Act 2003. These are set out in the table on the following pages.
We can advise on:
- smaller new residential or commercial developments, or changes to commercial premises
- alterations which only need listed building consent
- major development schemes
The pre-application service is subject to a fee proportionate to the development proposed and the level of service offered.
Independent Design Reviews
We also offer DesignPLACE Reviews, a design panel service to all pre-application submissions for major schemes in the city, provided by Design South East.
Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs)
For major and complex planning applications our planning performance agreements are an effective project management tool which allows all parties to agree timescales, actions and resources for handling planning applications.
The many benefits to entering into a PPA include:
- identification of key issues and relevant consultees at an early stage
- more realistic and predictable timetables, with a structure of deadlines and action points
- improved collaborative working between the key stakeholders
- better overall management of advice at pre-application and post application stages
- greater accountability, transparency and communication
- better project management with a dedicated council case officer
- removal of statutory timescales for the determination of applications
- greater commitment from relevant consultees to respond in a timely manner, particularly internal consultees
- better community engagement and consultation.
For more information, to see a PPA Template or set up a PPA, visit our Planning Performance Agreement page.
Building control and regulations
The Building Regulations team ensure the health, safety and welfare of people in and around buildings. They also ensure that building works use energy conservation measures and that buildings are accessible to everyone.