Pre-Application Advice for all other Developments

We can’t give refunds on our pre-application service once we have validated your request.  

Please also read the How long does it take section (below) before calling to check progress.

If you want to build new homes, convert your property into flats, build new offices or factories or change the use of a building or land, our pre-application advice service can help you. 

For work to an existing dwelling please see our Householder Pre-Application Advice page.

How to apply

You can only apply by using our online form. You will need to provide a location plan and details of your proposal together with the fee. Please note that only one scheme for each application can be submitted. Only the documents you provide with the form can be considered when making the response. 

We can provide different levels of advice depending on how much detail and support you want.

Level 1: 

• Desktop Assessment
• Full planning history for the site
• Consideration of relevant policies
• Any site constraints
• Officer opinion on proposal
• Guideline for validation requirements

the response will only be provided on what has been submitted. This level does not include a meeting, site visit or advice from internal specialists. Level 1 cannot be used for a Listed Building.

Level 2: 

• Desktop Assessment
• Full planning history for the site
• Consideration of relevant policies
• Site constraints
• Officer opinion on proposal
• Guideline for validation requirements
• Site visit by officer (at their discretion)
• Speaking with internal specialists

This level does not include a meeting. The response will be based only on what has been submitted.

Level 3: 

• Desktop Assessment
• Full planning history for the site
• Consideration of relevant policies
• Any site constraints
• Officer opinion on proposal
• Guideline for validation requirements
• Site visit by officer (at their discretion)
• Speaking with internal specialists
• Meeting with case officer (1hr Maximum)

A response will only be provided on what has been submitted.

Performance Planning Agreement

As part of its enhanced planning service, the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service offers the opportunity for applicants to enter into a Planning Performance Agreement (PPA).

To optimise the design of your development, in addition to our pre-application advice, we also recommend submitting your proposal to the Greater Cambridge Design Review Panel of experts.

Charges for Developer Pre-Application Advice

All fees include 20% VAT.

 

The cost of the time we take to provide advice is not covered by the statutory fee for making a planning application. The charge covers our costs for providing the advice and so it is not met by council tax payers.

The fees are based on the size of the proposal and the level of detail required. 

How long does it take?

We aim to let you know that we have received your application within 5 working days. From the date of this acknowledgement, we aim to give a written response within 4 weeks for Level 1 householder advice and 6 weeks for all other types of advice. 

Disclosing information

We do not make public details of pre-application discussions until a planning application has been submitted. 

The advice we provide under this service is generally confidential until the related application is submitted and development proposals become publicly available. There is normally no reason under any legislation to insist the advice is confidential.

If you think there are sufficient reasons under the legislation that your request and advice should remain confidential at those earlier stages please advise us in writing of the reasons at the time of your request.