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Pre-Application Enquiries
Introduction
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The provision of pre-application enquiry advice by Development Management staff is a discretionary activity, which is not required by planning legislation. It is however supported by the Scottish Government and is valued by the City Council. Customers will place a range of pre-application demands upon Development Management, which will require various responses, dependant, for example, on the nature of the enquiry, the proposed development and the site circumstances. Development Management will tailor its responses to enquires to try to provide advice that is appropriate to the individual enquiry, and makes efficient and effective use of resources. |
The Objectives of Development Management
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To assist the general public to participate in the planning process
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To simplify the submission of a planning application;
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To assist the efficient determination of a planning application;
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To improve the design and environmental quality of a proposed development
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To support economic development
Need for planning permission
Planning officers will advice whether planning permission is required for a particular development. Such enquires should be made in writing, accompanied by a drawing of the proposed development.
Responding to a Pre-Application Enquiry
A written response to a pre-application enquiry will;
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Identify the applicable Development Plan land zoning and policies
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Try to identify any unusual or contentious material planning considerations which may have an influence on the determination of any future planning application, in addition to routine material considerations
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Offer any comments which the planning officer is able to make, dependant upon the proposed development and the applicable circumstances, including whether a proposal is likely to be favourably considered or not in the event that a planning application is submitted
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Indicate, if possible, whether any planning application would be dealt with under delegated powers or by the Planning Committee;
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Consult with other Council services and external bodies where necessary and make their views known;
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Advise that the comments made are at officer level and are without prejudice to any future decision that may be made, taking into account all the relevant material planning considerations
Useful tips
- Use the Council's website - it may be possible to find the answer to your query there
- Make the enquiry in writing - this enables both you and the Council to have a record of the proposal and the response, and ensures that the enquiry is answered by the most appropriate planning officer
- Prepare a detailed drawing or sketch to accompany the enquiry – the more information that is provided means the more measured the response can be
- Use an architect or planning consultant – they should be familiar with the Council's procedures and policies
- Take careful note of the advice that is given - the response will usually be qualified
- Have reasonable expectations - it is not always possible to respond quickly or definitively
- Realise that the advice is at officer level – the Council's position cannot be guaranteed until a planning application is determined
For further information and help, please contact us:
Contacts
- Development Management Team
Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure
Aberdeen City Council
Business Hub 4
Marischal College
Broad Street
Aberdeen
AB10 1AB
Phone: 01224 523470
Fax: 01224 523180
Email: pi@aberdeencity.gov.uk