Pre-Application Advice: Is It Worth Paying For?
Pre-application advice is a paid service where a planning officer gives you an informal opinion on your proposal BEFORE you submit. It is not binding, but it can save you time and money — especially for borderline or complex proposals.
What pre-application advice is
What pre-application advice is
You submit sketch drawings and a description of your proposal. A planning officer reviews it and provides a written opinion on: whether the principle is acceptable, design considerations, likely conditions, and any policy conflicts. The advice is not a guarantee of approval — but a clear steer from the officer who will likely assess your application.
How much it costs
Pre-application fees are set by each council (not nationally). Typical householder pre-application fees: BCP Council £95, Dorset Council £50–£130, Wiltshire Council £60–£120. You also need basic sketch drawings — our design service (£250) produces plans suitable for pre-application submission.
When it is worth it
Pre-application advice is worth the cost when: the proposal is borderline (close to PD limits, in a sensitive area), the project is large or complex (two storey, listed building, conservation area), you want to test a bold design before investing in full drawings, or there is a history of refused applications on the site. For straightforward extensions that clearly fall under PD or clearly comply with policy, pre-application advice is usually unnecessary.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Extension guides
Ready to start your project?
Pre-application advice from the council — what it costs, what you get, when it's worth it, and how to make the most of the process.
Every plan drawn by qualified drafters in Poole, Dorset
Serving homeowners across Poole, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wimborne, Wareham, and the wider Dorset area.