Pre-application advice fees

General information about our fees

You should be aware that we're experiencing a high volume of requests and the advertised time frames are taking longer than anticipated. You will therefore not be given a target date for when you can expect to receive a written response, but meetings and discussions will continue to take place. Applications where you request multiple options to be considered will not be accepted under one application without an adjusted fee and timeframe being agreed with the case officer.

The fees in this section apply for the various types of advice required. Unless otherwise stated, meetings are held at the Town Hall in Brentwood. A public pay and display car park is available outside the main building, however there are limited spaces and you may wish to make alternative parking arrangements prior to your meeting.

Developments are split into the following advice types. If you have any queries in relation to what type of category your development would fall within, email planning@brentwood.gov.uk or call the Customer Contact Centre on 01277 312500.

Payments can be made over the phone - when making your payment, you should state this is for a pre-application submission.

Householder

Change of use of a building or land

Change of Use of a Building or Land where the proposal does not constitute Minor or Major development, this would include a change of use of the land to additional residential garden, paddocks and buildings to non-residential use.

Creation or replacement of a singular dwelling house or residential annex

In excess of 1 but below 10 units constitutes Minor development.

Minor development

Building 2 to 9 dwellings or the site area is up to 0.5 hectares.

Major development including Heritage Assets and Urban Design

Small major developments include:

• 10 to 49 dwellings
• the new building has between 1000 and 2499 sqm of floor space
• the site area is between 0.5 and 1.99 hectares (where you don't know the floor space)

Large major developments include:

• 50 to 99 dwellings
• the new building has between 2500 and 4999sqm of floor space
• the site area is between 2 and 4.99 hectares (where you don't know the floor space)

*Subsequent follow up advice – if you have already had advice about a similar development on the same site in the last three months or received a refusal of planning permission for a similar development on the same site in the last three months.

Strategic development

• 100+ dwellings
• the new building has 5000sqm or more of floor space
• the site area is 5 or more hectares (where you don't know the floor space)

Planning performance agreements (PPA)

We can offer a tailored service to developers in regards to the above advice types. These can include meetings with elected members including ward members and members of the Planning Committee. We can negotiate compliance with conditions during the course of construction and through the redevelopment and conversion of listed buildings with the appropriate specialist advisors offering direct and timely contact with Officers.

Each PPA programme and fee will vary dependent on the development proposal, however an indication of cost is set out below.

Post-Application Conditions Advice

Some developments may result in conditions which you may want to discuss in more detail with the Planning Officer to consider your options, especially where there are requirements for particular materials. Officers can advise on the requirements in consultation with specialist advisors where applicable.

Advice from Officers specialising in the Heritage Assets, Urban Design or Landscaping may also be required and is charged separately.

Planning research

You can find out the planning history and check whether a property has any restrictions regarding Permitted Development.

You will get a written response which costs £80.