Decision details

To review the current processes and associated fees for providing pre-application advice. In particular, the timeliness and quality of the service provided and the potential for increasing existing charging rates. This is to ensure that:

(a)  Applicants/agents are encouraged to request pre-application advice and continue to receive a high-class service; and

(b)  Income generated through the pre-application charging structure fully recovers the cost of providing the service.

The Planning Portfolio Holder approved

1.    the introduction of a one-off meeting service in addition to the existing service;

2.    cessation of the existing free written permitted development advice service with the retention of the Planning Duty Officer service to provide up to 15 minutes of free verbal advice; and

3.    Implementation of the above changes from 1 April 2015.

The Planning Portfolio Holder endorsed the increase in fees and recommends that Cabinet approves the increase in fees at its next meeting on 12 February 2015 to be introduced on 1 April 2015 as the new fees are likely to generate an annual increase in income of more than £50,000.