HomeWe welcome and encourage discussion before a formal planning application is submitted. This can identify improvements needed to a scheme before it is formally considered. An application is more likely to succeed if it is well prepared and thought out, supported by the development plan and in conformity with the building regulations. Pre-application discussions also ensure the speedier delivery of decisions, time and cost savings and higher quality developments. Much of the information you need to submit an application is also contained on this website and you are encouraged to consider this before you contact the council.
Levels of service provided
The council provides four levels of service:
1. Duty planning officer service
The duty planning officer service is a free service that is directed towards local residents and small businesses that may be wishing to extend or alter their property. A duty planning officer will be available between 9am and 1pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, within the Access Croydon area of the council's offices. They will be able to give informal, verbal advice in relation to such planning matters.
If you are unable to make use of the duty planning officer we can give informal advice over the telephone (020 8726 6800). Please ensure that you provide as much information as possible in order that we can give an appropriately informed response.
Householder queries frequently involve the question 'does my proposal need planning permission or would it constitute "permitted development"?' Information on the need for planning permission can also be found on the planning portal.
2. Correspondence service
The correspondence service is charged at £100 (plus VAT). It is appropriate for domestic extensions or shop fronts, signs and alterations to small business premises. The planning officer will research the planning history at the site, the relevant planning policy background and carry out any internal consultations considered necessary. The officer will then liaise with the area team leaders and prepare a reply to your query. You will receive a reply within 15 working days from receipt of the fee.
3. Pre-application meeting service
The pre-application meeting is a charged service. The fee for this service is £500 (plus VAT) for minor applications and £1,000 (plus VAT) for major applications. It is not suitable for complex, major developments, but it is ideal for other types of planning application. This service will also be used for valuation inquires, pre-auction advice and other non-application inquiries about sites and their development potential.
Planning application materials, such as plans and supporting documents are submitted to an allocated planning officer who will consider your proposals. The officer will visit the site and research the planning history. A meeting will follow with the officer where your draft planning application will be discussed. A letter will follow the meeting confirming the advice given.
4. Development team service (DTS)
The DTS is a new enhanced service designed for development proposals that are more complex and likely to raise a number of issues. A planning officer will manage the project and the process will involve one or more meetings and include in-depth research, consultation with statutory and non-statutory bodies and comprehensive advice put together by officers from different departments.
The cost of this service, which is payable in stages, will vary depending on the scale and complexity of the development. On the basis of one main meeting at each stage, the cost would be £1,500 (plus VAT) for minor applications and £3,000 (plus VAT) for major applications.
The council believes that for more complex applications, the opportunity to obtain good quality advice that will carry weight in the decision making process is worth the investment in the pre-application process.
Full guidance on these services is available below.
