Pre Application Meetings and Advice

Benefit of the pre-application service

Castle Point Borough Council’s Development Services team can offer you advice on the likelihood of gaining planning consent, identifying and advising upon any potential issues which may arise. Whilst an optional service, it can provide a useful solution for applicants who wish to avoid unnecessary delays in the planning process before the commencement of works.

This service is available to both applicants and agents.

Whilst we cannot design a scheme for you, we can provide a professional judgement on the likelihood of success of an application outlining the policy requirements of the local development plan and national policy requirements.

Officers will work positively to identify satisfactory solutions to identified problems wherever possible.

Submitting a formal planning application can be complicated, expensive and time-consuming; especially if permission is refused.

Our pre-application service allows you to ‘test the water’, helping you to:

• Avoid unnecessary delays to the commencement of works caused by invalid applications and subsequent amendments;  
• Save the cost of pursuing unacceptable applications;
• Reduce the time (and fees) of your professional advisors;
• Understand the relevant policies that apply to your development;
• Work collaboratively with the Planning Department to overcome resolvable problems.

There is a charge for the pre-application advice service. Details of the charges can be found below.

For more information about the pre-application advice process, please read the Pre application guidance notes [pdf] 202KB or see the Planning Portal.

How to submit a pre-application advice request:

• Complete the online Pre-Application Request Form
• Pay the relevant fee (by debit/credit card only) by calling Customer Services on 01268 882200
• Email the requisite plans of the proposal to planning@castlepoint.gov.uk
• For major schemes, additional supporting information such as studies and surveys may be required.

More information about what is included, expectations and requirements can be found in the Pre application guidance notes [pdf] 202KB 

 

Pre-application advice fees

Category of Development	Written Advice	Meeting	Time for Response
Planning History Advice Does a property still retain permitted development rights?	£90 (incl VAT)	N/A	3 Weeks
Discharge of Conditions Advice to agents/developers on minor matters/queries, discharge of conditions, non-material amendments, variations etc.	N/A	POA - Rate varies dependent on officer seniority.	10 Working Days
Householder Alterations and/or extensions to houses, garage or outbuildings	£185 (incl VAT)	£315 (incl VAT)	Written Responses - within 42 days of payment Meeting Responses - written response provided within 21 days of the meeting Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to these timeframes, larger or more complex developments may take longer
Small Scale Development 1 new dwelling or alterations and extensions to commercial premises of up to 499sq.m. of floorspace	£395 (incl VAT)	£555 (incl VAT)
Minor Development 2-9 new dwellings or alterations and extensions to commercial premises from 500-999sq.m. of floorspace	£770 (incl VAT)	£965 (incl VAT)
Major Development 10-49 new dwellings or alterations and extensions to commercial premises from 1,000-2,499sq.m. of floorspace	£1995 (incl VAT)	£2360 (incl VAT)
Strategic Development 50 or more new dwellings or alterations and extensions to commercial premises from 2,500sq.m. of floorspace	Individually determined. Development of this size may be better served through a Planning Performance Agreement.