Planning and regeneration

Pre-application advice

The planning, regeneration and conservation department provides a comprehensive pre-application service to anyone wishing to undertake development within the Borough

We welcome and encourage discussion before a formal planning application is submitted. This can identify improvements needed to a scheme before it is formally considered, and it can deter applications with little or no prospect of success. 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.

The council provides three levels of service:

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. It is appropriate for straightforward applications such as extensions to houses and small commercial buildings, new shopfronts and adverts or small infill developments.

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.

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. However, if you are unable to make use of the Duty Planning Officer then we are happy to give you informal advice over the telephone (0208 726 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 - follow the link on the right hand side of this page.

Pre-application meeting service

The pre-application meeting is a charged service. 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, research the planning history and carry out any internal consultations that he/she feels are necessary. A meeting will follow with the officer, your draft planning application will be discussed, and advice will be given. The fee for this service is £500 (+VAT) for minor applications and £1000 (+VAT) for major applications.

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 (payable in stages) is £1,500 (plus VAT) for minor applications and £3000 (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.

Download comprehensive guidance outlining the full details of the services by clicking on the links below.