Pre-Application Advice - Test a Sketch With the Planners
If you own land which you would like to develop then you may be looking for a way to investigate what is possible on your site without investing in a full design at the initial stages. Our pre-application advice ‘test a sketch’ service provides a sketch site layout for your land which can be submitted to the council to gain ‘pre-app’ feedback or ‘permission in principle’.
Clarity and Visualization
A preliminary sketch site layout design serves as the first step in visualizing your project. It offers you a clear, tangible representation of how your design will sit within the site's parameters. This early visualization helps you understand the spatial relationships, the impact on the surroundings, and the overall layout, ensuring that the project aligns with your vision, goals and budget.
Identify Problems or Opportunities Early With Pre-Application Advice
We use this preliminary design stage to consult with the local planning authority to identify potential challenges and constraints that may affect your project's development. By recognizing these issues at an early stage, we can proactively address them in follow up applications and avoid costly delays and revisions during the later phases of your project. This service empowers you with the knowledge and foresight to make informed decisions.
Build a Relationship With the Planners
A preliminary sketch site layout design is an invaluable communication tool. It allows for more effective discussions with local authorities, stakeholders, and other professionals involved in the planning and development process. By submitting a well-thought-out site layout design as part of the pre-application advice process, you can establish a good relationship with the local planning authority which can help your full application succeed.
Pre-App or Permission in Principle
Local planning authorities encourage the use of ‘Pre-Application Consultation’ (Pre-App) to iron out the details of a design before submitting a full planning application. The pre-app process gives you written feedback, an optional site meeting, and the process is not visible to your neighbors.
An alternative process for small residential development sites is ‘Permission in Principle’ (PIP) which was introduced in 2017. Applicable to developments for 1-9 dwellings the PIP application seeks permission for the principle of development only and can be submitted with minimal information. A follow up technical details consent application is required, similar to a full planning application. A PIP application offers more certainty and is a formal application which can be appealed if refused. It is however visible to your neighbours.
Speak to us about the best route for your project.
What’s Included
Working to your brief, we generate a sketch site layout which is illustrated to sell your scheme to the planners.
We can look at several different layout options if necessary
We compile a short report outlining the existing site, proposed design, enhancements and any constraints
This report equips planners with the information they require to provide initial feedback
Importantly, this is not a public application, ensuring your project remains discreet.
We assist you in deciphering planner feedback, this may include a meeting with the planners or by interpreting their written report.
If positive feedback is received from the planners, you can decide to proceed to work on a full design with us, guided by the pre-app feedback. If the planners comments suggest that the project will not be feasible then you may decide not to proceed further and will have avoided the unnecessary cost of a full application.