Our take on council "Pre-App" services;

Government policy for planning decision making (the National Planning Policy Framework) advises that:
39. ​Early engagement has significant potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning application system for all parties. Good quality preapplication discussion enables better coordination between public and private resources and improved outcomes for the community.​
At Bondstones, our team are dedicated to ensuring that the planning and design process is as smooth and efficient as possible...

Our expert advice and pre-application services form part of our offer from the word go - and are tailored to optimise your project from its' initiation, setting a strong foundation from the start...
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Frustrating as it may be; you should never forget that there is a common thread running through Planning Administration;

The planners serve 'the public interest' - Not the person that pays their fees!
While early engagement is frequently advertised (and encouraged) by Planning Authorities - it is worth recognising that Council Planning Departments are NOT versatile, forward thinking or innovative planning consultants...

Our team often hear of would-be-applicants that have prematurely approached their council for "pre-app" in the belief that they will receive a planning consultation.  Yet not only did they come away without any 'advice', they also found themselves with a raft of unexpected problems to resolve...

Truly independent advice ahead of any disclosure to the authorities is [almost] always advisable. 
Proactive project analysis and advice is built in to our services from the outset - our consultants will always provide impartial guidance; steering you clear from the pitfalls of unguarded or early disclosures.

A professional, impartial and unbiased planning consultant (like Bondstones) will always:
  • Consider your wider needs - not just the questions that you ask
  • Identify issues - including matters that you may have never considered
  • Present solutions - meanwhile avoiding inadvisable disclosures that could jeopardise your plans - or, perhaps even your property...

Why Consider Pre-Application Advice At All?​

While premature contact with the Planners is not advisable... pre-application is still worthy of discussion; 

Enhancing Project Success

While pre-app can feel like yet another opportunity for the LPA to delay and add cost to your project, approaching a Local Planning Authority with a preliminary planning package ahead of a full application can be a useful strategically. 

While it is contrary to the spirit of national policy - many authorities are compelling applicants to engage in pre-app before full submissions, by actively refusing to engage with applicants that have not previously participated in their services.

With Bondstones’ professional guidance and design services, initial interactions with the LPA are well considered, well-prepared and precise, enhancing the likelihood of receiving constructive and useful feedback - which will in turn increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Customised Expert Strategies

Each project carries its unique challenges and requirements. Generic advice from the LPA may not address the specific needs of your proposal effectively. Our consultants at Bondstones customise your pre-application strategy to align perfectly with your project's specific attributes, ensuring a comprehensive and strategic approach.

The Bondstones Edge

Robust Project Proposals:
We develop detailed, strong pre-application submissions that address potential concerns of LPAs, increasing the chances of a smoother approval process.

Proactive Issue Management:
Our professional consultants identify and tackle potential issues early, guiding you on the most effective path forward and refining your project based on strategic insights.

Pre-Planning "Advice" or "Assessment"?

Approaching a local planning department for feedback on a conceptual proposal depends initially on the proposal being well thought through, sufficiently detailed and suitably articulated:

In most cases Local Authorities offer "pre-app advice" services - however these should not be construed to be an advice service; more of an early assessment of your forthcoming planning application / proposal. 

For example asking for a 'pre-app' advice on various ideas for a generic farm diversification project will not result in a useful or worthwhile response.  Whereas asking for detail feedback on the proposed conversion of a range of traditional farm buildings into holiday lets (for example) - with an accompanying package of draft plans - is likely to receive useful feedback...

Act Now for Strategic Benefits

Consult Early - Gain More:
​Don’t wait until you have approached the LPA. Engaging with Bondstones at the early stages of your project planning ensures that you are well-prepared to interact with the LPA effectively when the time comes.

Access Expert Insights:
​Our consultants are primed and ready to offer you the strategic insights needed to manage the whole planning process (including pre-application) with expert confidence. 

​Indeed this will be evident from your first conversation with one of our consultants)...

​Get in touch...

Are you ready to improve your planning strategy?  Get in touch with Bondstones specialist team today, and let us assist you in achieving a seamless planning application process.

Our team is ready to provide the support and expertise necessary to manage the complexities of planning permissions successfully..

Call the planning team today:
01823 210 610