The City Council welcomes the opportunity to discuss proposals with you before you submit your planning application. Some enquiries can be dealt with by telephone or you can e-mail us at  planningdept@preston.gov.uk

Should you wish to speak to a planning officer in person, it is a good idea to make an appointment so that you can meet the appropriate officer at a time which is convenient to both parties. The Planning Reception at Lancastria House is open to the general public between the hours of 8.45am - 5.30 pm Monday to Thursday and  Friday 8.45am to 4.30pm.

Major and complex proposals will need to be considered by the council’s Development Team at pre-application stage. Please note that from 1 February 2010 we will be introducing charges for the provision of pre-application advice for such proposals. For more information on how this operates see the Development Team Approach page.

Pre-application advice for other types of proposals, such as house extensions, advertisements and small scale alterations to business premises, will be provided by a Planning Officer. Should you require advice on such a scheme, please contact planningdept@preston.gov.uk or telephone 01772 906581.

At pre-application stage, information can be given about the relevant planning policies of the council and our standards for certain developments. You will also be advised about the likely time scale for dealing with your application together with the procedures for making a decision.

Any discussions will be treated in confidence although once a planning application is made it is open to all members of the public to see the details of the proposal.

The advice given, whilst accurate and objective, is an officer opinion only and is without prejudice to the formal consideration of any application submitted to the council.
It is also advisable for you to discuss your proposal with any neighbours who you feel may be affected by the proposal.