Pre-Application Advice
Householder advice for existing residential properties
Householder pre-application advice is available for residential properties in the District. This is for proposals relating to existing properties and works to them and/or within their curtilage (i.e. proposals to enlarge/alter properties, erect outbuildings all in connection with the residential occupation of the property). This is a letter based and paid-for service. The fee for the standard level is currently £160 including VAT. If you wish to apply you will need to supply:
- a red edge site location plan at a scale of 1:1250
- photographs of the site
- drawings of the proposal
Apply for Householder Pre-Application advice ›
We are unable to confirm if your proposal is Permitted Development in a Pre-Application Advice response. Instead, you should submit a Certificate of Lawfulness for Proposed Development.
Other Pre-Application Advice
If your proposal relates to any other development, such as new dwellings, retail or other commercial, you can apply for non-householder pre-application advice. Please email the Planning Support team at planning@molevalley.gov.uk with full details, including a red edge site location plan at a scale of 1:1250, drawings of the proposal, photographs of the site, plus any other relevant information. A member of the team will then register it and contact you. You can make payment by calling 01306 885001.
The fee schedule below sets out the standard and optional additional charges. If your proposal falls outside of any of these categories please contact planning@molevalley.gov.uk who can advise you of the appropriate fee accordingly.
Non-Householder Pre-Application Advice Fees
Charges from 1 April 2024 (all figures include VAT)
Standard fees for written report
- All development types except those below: £315
- Residential: 4 to 9 units. Commercial: <1000sqm: £450
- Residential: 10 to 49 units. Commercial: 1001 to 2999sqm: £850
- Residential: 50 or more Commercial: 3000sqm or more: £1,280
Additional fees (‘add-ons’)
All add-ons are available entirely at the discretion of the Council
- Additional site visits: £240 per hour
- Meeting service – all other: £1,270
- Meeting 4-9 residences or less than 1000sqm commercial incl. 1 hour site visit: £1,400
- Meeting 10-49 residences or 1001-2999sqm commercial incl. 1 hour site visit: £1,635
- Meeting 50+ residences or more than 3000sqm commercial incl. 1 hour site visit: £1,965
- Additional hour site visit: £240
- Complex case advice – scoping meeting: £2,080
- Additional specialist advice: £240
- Executive Head of Service attendance: £340
- Chief Executive Attendance: £405
- Administration of Member Attendance: £165
- Member Presentation: £3,955
New development in the green belt
We often get calls from customers who are being offered the ‘chance’ to buy a piece of land within the Metropolitan green belt, with a view to building a new dwelling.
Please be aware that the development of new dwellings within the green belt is contrary to national and local planning policies, and will not be granted planning permission.
Surrey County Council Highways
Surrey County Council provide pre-application advice on Transport Development planning matters. More information and relevant charges can be found on their website.
Environment Agency
The Environment Agency can provide advice relating to environmental constraints in relation to proposed development or change of use. More information can be found on their website.
Utilities
Thames Water provide information and advice to developers of small or large scale developments on their website.
In the south of the district, Southern Water provide similar information and offer a pre-development enquiry service.