The Executive Director, Regeneration and Housing submitted a report (previously circulated, now appended) which detailed proposals to increase the level of fees for pre-application planning advice, and to introduce charges for pre-application advice for listed buildings and householder developments.

Cllr Hollingsworth, Executive Board Member for Planning, Transport and Regulatory Services presented the report.  He explained that the Council encouraged pre-application discussions with prospective developers, applicants and agents in order to identify and, where possible, resolve any potential issues, and improve the quality of the submitted applications. He reminded the Board that the Council already levied charges for some types of pre-application.

The Planning Officers briefed the Board on the average length of time for the drop-in advice sessions (15 minutes) and the pre-application meetings (60 – 120 minutes).  The Board noted that planning legislation prevented local authorities from incorporating a pre-application charge into the planning application fee.

Cllr Fooks commented on the absence of any on-line or printed guidance on planning rules for conservation areas. The Board Member for Planning, Transport and Regulatory Services agreed that this omission should be remedied and that a leaflet on Conservation Areas should be produced. 

The City Executive Board resolved to:

1.    Approve the proposed increase in the level of fees for pre-application planning advice, and the proposed introduction of charges for pre-application advice in respect of listed buildings and householder developments, effective from 1 November 2015.