Before you start
We can help you with your proposal before you submit a planning application.
We provide responsive, consistent, and timely advice. This reduces the time taken to deal with your application and means you get a quicker decision.
View our pre-application advice types and fees
Our pre-application advice will help you:
- understand how we apply planning policies to your proposal
- identify the need for specialist input at an early stage - for example for listed buildings or trees
- reduce the time that you or your professional advisors spend on the proposals
- make informed changes so we are more likely to be able to approve your application
- identify proposals that are completely unacceptable
- prepare your application and supporting documents for formal submission
- get your application handled more quickly meeting our validation requirements
- avoid paying more fees because of changes you need to make
- reduce the chances of a refusal. Effective from 6 Dec 2023 the government has changed the fee regulations. They have removed the fee exemption for repeat applications (the ‘free-go’)
Specialist team officer
You can request the involvement of a specialist, but your planning officer will review this on receipt of your pre-application request. If a key issue is identified requiring specialist advice, they will contact you to seek approval and confirm any additional costs. Currently this could include advice from the following officers when relevant to the proposal:
- Conservation officer
- Tree officer
- Landscape officer
- Planning policy officer
- Urban design officer
- Dorset Council building control (first hour free)
- Section 106/Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Team
- Environmental assessment - environmental assessment and nutrient neutrality
- Planning enforcement
An additional charge at an hourly rate will apply for each specialist team officer who is required to attend a meeting or provide a consultation response as part of your pre application enquiry.
- Environmental Protection Team. A flat rate charge of £165 (inc VAT) (1 and a half hours), will apply when you request their input, written advice only. If your enquiry is of a more complex nature, we reserve the right to provide a bespoke fee in addition to this amount.
Planning Performance Agreement (PPA)
Planning Performance Agreement can cover the pre- application stage, the application itself and post decision.
Dorset Design Review Panel
Dorset Council is working in partnership with Design West to deliver a dedicated Dorset Design Review Panel service that can provide independent design advice to applicants and help in the preparation and determination of planning applications.
View more details about the design review service.
View more detail about planning fees and charges document.
Contact Planning
If you need any guidance, contact planning.