Use the Pre-application enquiry form to make sure we have all the information necessary to provide a timely and useful response.
This enquiry form was designed so when you consult us on a development proposal we have all the information necessary to provide you with a timely and meaningful response.
Before submitting a pre-application enquiry to us, we strongly recommend you contact the relevant Local Planning Authority to determine the likelihood of your proposed development receiving planning permission.
What is a pre-application enquiry?
A pre-application enquiry is a written request for advice or information relating to a proposed development or change of use for a specific plot of land. A pre-application enquiry will include submission of:
- a pre-application enquiry form, or
- all the mandatory details in the pre-application enquiry form in another written form (e.g. letter, plan or other form).
As a minimum, Section 1 of the form must be completed.
We encourage you to complete Section 2, as this enables us to provide a more detailed and useful response. We will be reviewing this form as some questions refer to Planning Policy Statements that have been replaced by the National Planning Policy Framework. However, the NPPF policy is similar and we recommend you complete the form to the best of your ability. For example, the information requested in questions 6 and 7 is still needed to help us comment on planning applications involving flood risk.
Any pre-application enquiry submitted with inadequate details (i.e. Section 1 incomplete) will be returned to you with the blank enquiry form explaining there is inadequate information and we are unable to respond until all relevant information is submitted.
Why do I need to complete this form?
Completion of this enquiry form enables us to reply to your enquiry more effectively and reduces the chances of us asking for further information.
We do not charge for responding to a pre-application enquiry.
However, if the enquiry does not meet the definition of a pre-application enquiry and is a request for information there will be a charge.
When responding to the request we direct you to relevant Environment Agency Standing Advice if appropriate and provide advice in relation to the proposed development.
Depending on the enquiry, we may also provide advice on other issues related to our responsibilities including flooding, waste, land contamination, water quality, biodiversity, navigation, pollution, water resources, foul drainage or Environmental Impact Assessment.
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