Bespoke Architects

Pre-planning enquiries are one of the many services I can assist with, offer an opportunity to obtain early planning advice about a proposed development.

Some Local Authorities no longer offer this service, however Chichester District Council, who process most of my planning applications, do still offer the enquiry service.

A pre-planning enquiry is a formal or informal discussion with a local planning authority to discuss a proposed development before a formal planning application is submitted.

They are not always necessary however in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Conservation Areas and within the South Downs National Park Authority this service can be of enormous benefit, for the following reasons.

• Providing an increased chance of success:
  Planning officers are more likely to be supportive of a proposal if they have been involved in the planning process from an early stage. This is because they can provide valuable guidance on how to improve the proposal where necessary.
• Contributing to reduction in project time and cost:
  By discussing the proposal with planning officers in advance, we can identify any potential problems and make changes early on. This can save time and money in the long run, as it can help to avoid delays and costly redesigns.
• Highlighting relevant planning policies:
  Planning officers provide guidance on how the proposed development complies with local planning policies. This can help us to ensure that any proposals meet with the guidance and therefore increases the likelihood of it being approved.
• Enhanced design:
  A planning officers will provide feedback on the design of the proposed development. This can be particularly useful in a Conservation Area where the comments of a Conservation Officer are sought.

Not all the projects I work on will benefit from a pre-planning enquiry, however if you have a site in a designated area, I would certainly be advising this approach before embarking on the formal planning application.

Pre-planning enquiries can also help homeowners who want to break from tradition and create a more contemporary design for their home extension or alteration.

Getting good, sound advice about a property development is key to a successful project so if I can assist you with your development journey, please give me a call or drop me an email and we’ll take it from there.