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We are committed to providing a good quality pre-application service to applicants and agents. The purpose of this service is to identify at an early stage the issues which are likely to cause objection or to suggest design improvements before an application is formally submitted. The benefits of the service is to introduce certainty, increase the chances of success and speed up the formal decision process.
For larger schemes or where reference to archived files or a site visit may be necessary to assess the proposal it is advised that you provide details of your scheme in writing. This should and include as much detail as possible, such as photographs, site plans and indicative drawings in order to allow for a more comprehensive assessment and better advice.
While it is encouraged that all enquiries are submitted in writing, limited 'on the spot' advice can generally be given by the duty planner, available at our offices on the 4th Floor of Herbert Warehouse, between 9am and 1pm Mondays to Fridays.
Development Team Approach
To assist the development process, the City Council, through the Spatial Planning and Environment Team, offers a Development Team Approach.
If you are considering the development of a site of more than 0.5 ha (1.25 acres), we can put together a team of Officers to meet you and provide the necessary advice and guidance to move your proposals forward to a planning application.
The 'Development Team Approach' will draw upon the City Council's internal experts in Development Control, Urban Design, Conservation, Archaeology, Highways/Transportation, Land Contamination, Drainage, Planning Policy and Building Control amongst others.
The aim is to offer a comprehensive and professional team that can identify the key issues and constraints for your development site including comments on draft layouts and supporting reports. The process aims to provide more certainty once an application is formally submitted.
Where necessary, the contents of any Section 106 legal agreement or Unilateral Undertaking will be negotiated at this stage. At the time of formal submission a draft agreement must be included with the relevant heads of terms. The Council will not register planning applications that do not contain the necessary supporting documents i.e Transport Assessment / Retail Assessment or draft legal agreements to ensure the statutory period for determination is met.
If you feel that this could assist you, when considering sites of more than half a hectare, please contact Les Warriner on 01452 396825, or e-mail pdc@gloucester.gov.uk| to discuss your needs.
Pre-Planning Application Protocol
On 4 November, following a period of consultation, the Planning Committee adopted the Council's Pre-Application Protocol to encourage applicants to seek advice from the Council on their proposal prior to formally submitting a planning application. To view the adopted Pre-Application Protocol, click here|.
It is considered that the introduction of the Protocol will have two main benefits; Firstly, it will help the Council deal with planning applications more quickly by reducing the need for lengthy and time consuming negotiations after they have been submitted (This is particularly important in respect of larger and more complex planning applications). Secondly, it will improve the service we provide to prospective applicants by encouraging pre-application discussions that will increase the likelihood of planning applications being submitted that are of a higher quality and more likely to be permitted.
You are therefore strongly advised to read the Protocol and seek advice prior to formally submitting a planning application. It should also be noted that if you do not seek such advice there is an increased chance that the application you submit will not include all the relevant information and therefore cannot be validated.
Furthermore, without the benefit of pre-application advice there is also an increased chance that your proposal will not comply with national or local planning policy guidance and is unacceptable. If this is the case the application may be refused without discussion with the applicant or agent.
Last Updated 11/12/2008
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