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Pre Application Advice

Reduce planning risk with early guidance and policy led strategy
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Planning World

Planning World

Planning World

A faster, smarter, more affordable way to get planning permission anywhere in the UK.

Pre‑Application Advice (Pre‑App) allows you to present your proposal to the council before submitting a formal planning application. It helps identify risks, policy conflicts, design issues, and technical requirements early — saving time, cost, and reducing the likelihood of refusal.

Planning World prepares professional Pre‑App submissions that clearly communicate your proposal, address policy considerations, and position your project for a smoother planning process.

When Pre‑Application Advice is recommended

A Pre‑App is particularly useful when:

  • Your project is complex or high‑impact
  • You are proposing a large extension or multi‑storey addition
  • Your site is in a conservation area or near a listed building
  • You are planning a new build home or flat conversion
  • You are unsure whether the council will support your design
  • You need clarity on policy interpretation
  • You want to reduce the risk of a future planning refusal
  • You are considering multiple design options

For sensitive or ambitious projects, Pre‑App advice is often the smartest first step.

Planning World

Pre Application Advice

What your Pre‑App package includes

A complete Pre‑Application Advice submission typically includes:

  • Existing and proposed drawings
  • Site photographs and context analysis
  • Design rationale and justification
  • Planning policy review
  • Heritage or conservation considerations (if relevant)
  • Technical requirements (FRA, BNG, daylight/sunlight, etc.)
  • A clear summary of the proposal
  • Submission to the council
  • Review and interpretation of the council’s response
  • Recommendations for the full planning application

We ensure your Pre‑App is clear, professional, and aligned with local policy.

Our process

A structured, strategic workflow:

  1. Initial review We assess your proposal, site constraints, and planning risks.
  2. Preparation of drawings and documents We prepare the materials required for a strong Pre‑App submission.
  3. Planning strategy We identify key policies, risks, and opportunities.
  4. Submission to the council We submit the Pre‑App and manage communication.
  5. Response analysis We interpret the council’s feedback and advise on next steps.
  6. Planning application preparation We refine the design and prepare the full application based on Pre‑App advice.

Fees

Typical fees start from:

  • £295–£495 for small residential projects
  • £495–£895 for larger extensions or complex proposals
  • £895+ for new builds or multi‑unit developments

A fixed quote is provided after reviewing your drawings.

Borough‑specific considerations

Pre‑App expectations vary significantly between councils. We specialise in:

  • Kensington & Chelsea — heritage sensitivity, rooflines, façade changes
  • Westminster — conservation areas, amenity impact, design scrutiny
  • Camden — daylight/sunlight, overlooking, massing
  • Lancashire authorities — character, materials, neighbour impact
  • Conservation areas — design justification and heritage arguments
  • Article 4 areas — reduced development rights and stricter controls

Your Pre‑App is tailored to your borough’s planning approach and policy landscape.

Common mistakes to avoid

Applicants often weaken their Pre‑App by:

  • Submitting incomplete or unclear drawings
  • Ignoring local policy requirements
  • Providing insufficient design justification
  • Failing to address heritage or conservation issues
  • Misinterpreting the council’s feedback
  • Treating Pre‑App as a formality rather than a strategic step

Planning World ensures your Pre‑App is professional, persuasive, and policy‑aligned.

Positive Feedback
7-day Turnaround
Fixed Pricing From

Why choose Planning World

    • Strong planning strategy and policy expertise
    • Clear, persuasive Pre‑App submissions
    • Borough‑specific knowledge
    • Coordination with architects and technical consultants
    • Fast turnaround for tight deadlines
    • Clear guidance on next steps after the council’s response

No — but it is highly recommended for complex or sensitive projects.

No — but it significantly improves your chances by addressing issues early.

Most councils respond within 3–8 weeks.

Yes — this is often helpful for complex sites.

Some councils do; others provide desk‑based feedback.

Ready to reduce planning risk?

Book a consultation and we’ll assess your proposal, prepare a strategic Pre‑App submission, and guide you through the entire process.

Ready to reduce planning risk?

Book a consultation and we’ll assess your proposal, prepare a strategic Pre‑App submission, and guide you through the entire process.