Pre Application Advice

Clear, honest planning advice at the earliest stage, before you commit time, money, or expectations.

Whether you are considering an extension, a new build, or the purchase of a property or site, early planning advice can make all the difference. Pre application advice helps you understand what is realistically achievable, what constraints exist, and what your next steps should be, before you invest further.

What is pre application advice?

Pre application advice is an early stage planning assessment designed to give you clarity before you submit a formal planning application or proceed with a purchase.

It focuses on understanding planning policy, site constraints, and local authority considerations, so you can move forward with confidence or reconsider your plans before costs escalate.

This service is particularly valuable when decisions feel pressured or uncertain and you need an objective, professional view.

Who this service is for

Pre application advice is suitable if you are:

Considering extending or altering your home
Looking to develop land or change the use of a building
Buying a property with development potential
Unsure whether planning permission is required
Wanting realistic guidance before instructing architects or consultants

It is equally useful for homeowners, developers, and purchasers who want clarity early rather than costly surprises later.

What’s included

Depending on your project, pre application advice and site appraisals can include:

An assessment of development potential and constraints
Review of relevant local and national planning policy
Advice on planning history and site context
Identification of risks, red flags, and opportunities
Guidance on the most appropriate planning route
Clear advice on next steps and likely timescales

Advice can be provided following a site visit or through a desktop assessment, depending on what is most appropriate for your circumstances.

Why early advice matters

Many clients come to us feeling unsure whether their ideas are realistic, or worried about making an expensive mistake. This service is designed to give you clarity early, before decisions become difficult or costly to reverse

Many planning issues only come to light once significant time and money have already been spent. Waiting until a full application is prepared can lead to delays, redesigns, or disappointment if constraints were missed at the outset.

Early advice helps you understand what is achievable from the start, manage expectations, and make informed decisions with confidence.

In some cases, it can also save you from pursuing a scheme that is unlikely to succeed.

Why choose Cheshire Planning Consultancy

With 20 years’ experience working within local government, Cheshire Planning Consultancy brings a clear understanding of how planning decisions are made in practice.

We provide honest, practical advice grounded in policy and real world experience, not guesswork or false reassurance.

Our approach is calm, professional, and focused on giving you clarity at an early and often stressful stage of your project.