Pre-Application Advice

Pre-application advice must be requested through email, sent to the address detailed at the bottom of this page.

• The application form should be completed and the requested plans/supporting documentation should be attached.

• The more detailed the information and proposals that are submitted, the more comprehensive the reply from the Local Planning Authority will be.

Pre-application advice enquiries are assessed at a pre-application team meeting, which occurs once a week, and involves a number of Development Management and Planning Policy officers. During these meetings, the enquiries will be assessed and discussed and a case officer will be allocated – a full response or holding response will be issued dependant on whether further consultation is required.

Where appropriate, your proposed scheme will be forwarded to DRP. DRP is an internal design review panel which involves a multi-disciplinary team of technical experts, dependent on nature of proposal, who meet, discuss and provide advice on the proposed scheme.

It is advisable that you are familiar with the policies and guidance documents used by the Local Planning Authority, including but not limited to-

• Black Country Core Strategy

• Supplementary Planning Documents

• Planning Guidance Notes

• Aid in encouraging and adding value to the quality of the development that is proposed.

• Often speeds up the process of a planning application.

• Identifies schemes that may not receive a favourable decision.

• Identifies a case officer who will usually deal with both the pre-application advice and formal planning application.

• Ensures internal consultees are consulted where necessary and engaged from the outset of the process.