How to Request Pre-Application Advice

If you know you need planning permission but want help to ensure you have all the information you require, you can fill out one of the Pre-Application advice forms below. If you are not sure if you need planning permission, you will need to fill out a Do I need Planning Permission? form.

Once you’ve got all your information together, including specialist planning advice (where applicable), you can request pre-application advice.

For general house-holder pre-application advice, householders should complete a Request for Householder Pre-Application Advice form. There is no charge for this service, unless a site visit is needed. You should receive a reply within 20 working days of receipt of the request.
For non-householder advice, please use the Request for Pre-Application Advice (non-householder) form. Charges for this service have been set to recover the costs of the officer time involved. For a list of charges and how to pay, see Pre app charges/how to pay.

Completed forms should be sent to the relevant Local Authority for your area of the South Downs National Park. To find which Authority to contact, check Who deals with my planning enquiry or application?

There is no charge for pre-application enquiries from households or residents submitting the Request for Householder Pre-Application Advice, but a fee will be charged if you need a site visit or for non-householder applications. Click here for more details.

Please note that in the interest of transparency, all applications for pre-app advice are viewable on our Public Access interface. Unless there is a commercial justification or risk to vulnerable individuals submitted with the enquiry. Withholding of pre-app data is discretionary, but may not be exempt from FOI requests.

What Happens Next

You will receive an acknowledgement from the relevant authority handling your enquiry, including whether additional details or fees are required and will advise you of the name and contact details of the case officer who will respond to the enquiry.

Your written response may cover:

If addition details are required – invalid letter
If valid – name and contact details of handling officer and timescales
If site meetings are requested – additional meeting fees may be required
Written response – if objections in pre-app reasons why are given

N.B. Persons of pre-app advice does not guarantee planning consent will be given