Free planning advice is available for residents if you are considering solar panels or other energy efficiency measures via our Duty Planning Service.
What is pre-application advice?
Preparing to carry out a development can be expensive. To help you minimise the cost of this process, we provide a pre-application service.
Pre-application advice is provided by planning officers employed by the council, which outlines how we are likely to determine any subsequent planning application, and any changes that are likely to be needed, if any, to give your scheme the best chance of being granted a planning permission.
It's important to note that the guidance given is informal advice and does not bind the council in any future decision it makes. However, in our experience where pre-application advice is obtained and incorporated into any scheme, developments are more likely to be granted planning permission and decisions are made significantly faster.
What are the benefits of pre-application advice?
- Getting advice before you make an application can save you time and money.
- You will normally get a quicker decision once the application is submitted.
- There are likely to be fewer conditions attached to any permission.
Seeking our advice, and following it, does not guarantee that planning permission will be granted. Sometimes other factors, particularly concerning the impact on neighbouring properties, can result in additional issues. However, it will mean that you have the best possible opportunity to negotiate a positive outcome.
Before applying for pre-application advice
- Take time to look at applications that we have approved or refused around your property. You can do this by searching planning records by street name or postcode.
- Look at planning policies in the Local Plan.
- Think about who might be affected by what you want to do and talk to them about your plans; and
- Decide exactly what information you want to get from us. This will determine what service you choose.
What services are provided?
Householder and small-scale proposals
For householder proposals, including extensions and alterations to houses and flats, we offer the following options, please note proposals involving basements will require a meeting with a planning officer.
For proposals beyond the thresholds detailed below we advise people to enter into planning performance agreement (PPA).
Fees
| Service | Fees 2025/26 |
|---|---|
| Householder written advice | £435 |
| Householder meeting with planning officer | £630 |
| Householder including basement and/or listed building– meeting with planning officer | £1,320 |
| Other - including advertisements, telecommunications, prior approvals, written advice | £900 |
| Other - including advertisements, telecommunications, prior approvals, written advice (with meeting) | £1,350 |
Please note, for householder pre application advice involving more than one property the fee will be doubled or increased accordingly.
Residential schemes
A meeting with a planning officer and other specialists as required, to discuss a residential scheme including House in Multiple Occupation, change of use and care homes.
| Number of new units | Fees 2025/26 |
|---|---|
| 1 unit | £3,095 |
| 2-5 units | £6,080 |
| 6-9 units | £9,595 |
| 10-20 units | £15,790 |
For a proposal involving 21 or more new units, please email us at planning@lbhf.gov.uk to discuss the proposal.
Non-residential schemes
A meeting with a planning officer and other specialists as required, to discuss a non-residential scheme including change of use, offices, hotels, industry and retail.
| Floor space | Fees 2025/26 |
|---|---|
| No new floor space/up to 99sqm | £1,205 |
| 100-199sqm new floor space | £5,122 |
| 200-499sqm new floor space | £6,010 |
| 500-849sqm new floor space | £7,800 |
| 850sqm and above new floor space** | £15,760 |
For a proposal involving new floor space of over 850sqm **this is a minimum charge and PPA is encouraged with an agreed fee. Please email us at planning@lbhf.gov.uk to discuss the proposal.
Mixed residential and non-residential schemes
A meeting to discuss mixed use residential and non-residential schemes including change of use, care homes, offices, hotels, industry and retail.
Pre-planning advice fees are equivalent to the sum of the residential and non-residential elements derived from the tables above.
For example: 8 residential units plus 350sqm of non-residential would be £15,605 (£9,595 plus £6,010).
For a proposal involving new floor space of 850sqm or more, please email us at planning@lbhf.gov.uk to discuss the proposal.
How long does it take?
For householder written advice, we will aim to respond to within 10 working days. For householder and small-scale proposal meetings, we aim to respond within 20 working days.
For residential schemes, non-residential schemes and mixed schemes we will aim to respond within 40 working days.
Sometimes it may be necessary to obtain the advice of other departments within the council and external consultees, which can take time depending on their commitments. Where we need more time, we will contact you and confirm our intended timescales to respond.
How do I apply?
Download and complete the application form. If you have any problems accessing this word doc form please contact us at preapp@lbhf.gov.uk
You should include the outline of the proposal, the property address, some plans or sketches.
Email your completed form together with any supporting information to preapp@lbhf.gov.uk
Please pay for your pre-application online or you can call 020 8753 1081 and one of our colleagues will receive your payment over the phone. When making payment please give the reference number (if you have one) or include the complete address of the property.