Pre-planning Applications Cornwall & Devon
A pre-planning application is an informal consultation with a local councils planning officer to get early feedback on a proposed development before submitting a formal planning application, helping to identify potential issues, understand policy requirements and determine the feasibility of a project saving time and cost later.
The pre-planning process can be a valuable tool for some applicants in order to understand the work and surveys required for an application as well as the potential likelihood of success.
To get assistance with deciding whether this step is necessary and likely to be useful for your project, please get in touch or book an initial free consultation with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Definition: An optional, paid service provided by local councils to evaluate the feasibility of a rural development proposal.
Purpose: To identify policy clashes, access issues, or ecological constraints early, reducing the risk of a formal refusal.
Outcome: Typically results in a written report indicating whether the concept is acceptable in principle and what technical reports will be required.
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A pre-application enquiry allows you to seek informal feedback from a local planning authority (LPA) before submitting a formal planning application. For rural sites in the South West of England, this step helps navigate strict open countryside policies, environmental designations, and local validation requirements.
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No, it is entirely optional, though strongly encouraged by South West local authorities for any new rural build or barn conversion.
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No. Feedback given by planning officers is provided "without prejudice" and does not guarantee a final approval.
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Most rural authorities aim to respond within 4 to 8 weeks, though complex sites within protected landscapes can take longer.
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You generally need a red-line site location plan (1:1250 scale), basic block plans, sketch elevations, photographs of the rural context, and a project description.