You can seek advice and help from the Council prior to the submission of planning applications through the Council's Duty Planning Service or by making a Written Submission.
Information on gaining advice as to the need for planning permission is available from the Do I need planning permission page.
Duty Planning Service
Written Submissions
Further Information
A charge based on 25% (plus VAT) of the planning application fee will be charged for any written submission made to the Council. Click here for fee information.
The benefits of undertaking pre-application discussions include:
· Understanding whether planning permission is required;
· An identification of key constraints associated with proposed development;
· The potential for a quicker decision if a subsequent planning application is pursued.
Applications which are submitted fully in accordance with the Council's approved policies and standards will be dealt with speedily. Applications submitted which do not accord with the Council’s approved policies and standards are likely to be refused without discussion with the applicant or agent. Amended plans will only be accepted if the application can be determined within deadlines.
If pre-application advice from planning officers is not followed and the submitted application does not accord with the Council’s approved polices and standards the planning application is likely to be refused without discussion.
Pre-application Consultation
The Council also considers that a planning application which has had the benefit of consultation with stakeholders and interested parties prior to its submission will result in an improved scheme. Accordingly you are asked to consider undertaking your own consultations with the relevant Ward Councillors, the Parish Council and local residents. The Council has an adopted Statement of Community Involvement which details the level of public engagement and consultation that developers should take with the local community before submitting a planning application (summarised on pages 49 and 50).
Pre applications and confidentiality
Under the Freedom of Information Act, the Council may consider pre-application submissions, which are commercially sensitive, as confidential. A public interest test will be applied to determine whether a proposal can be deemed as confidential. Should the information fall outside of this category or a planning application is submitted on the site for a similar scheme, the information may be made available to the general public. Council officers and members have access to all pre-applications submitted to the council.
VAT is payable on pre-application submissions as the service is discretionary and the advice can be provided by other outside bodies in competition with the council.
Submissions and communication through email are encouraged:
Emails should be sent to: development.control@basingstoke.gov.uk
Telephone: 01256 844844
Fax: 01256 845200
Posted to: Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council
Planning Development
Civic Offices London Road
Basingstoke
Hampshire RG21 4AH
