Pre-application advice

In line with our commitment to transparency and good governance, the council will publish written advice provided through its formal pre-application service when a corresponding full planning application is submitted. Any publication will be subject to lawful redaction, for example, to remove personal data or commercially sensitive information.

Until that stage, the advice remains confidential to the applicant and the council. This advice does not bind the final decision. It will be recorded and may be taken into account as a material consideration. Its weight may change over time as circumstances and information evolve.

This approach was approved by Cabinet on 19 January 2021 and sets out clearly when and how pre-application advice becomes part of the public record.