That the revised pre?application enquiry fees set out in Appendix 1 be approved.

To ensure that fees more accurately reflect the level of officer time and professional input required to provide the pre?application enquiry service.  Also to resolve the errors appearing on the IT system.

An alternative option would be to discontinue charging for pre?application enquiries.  This option has been discounted as it would be likely to result in increased uncertainty in the development process, reduced quality of early engagement with applicants, and additional unresourced pressure on the planning service.

This decision will take effect immediately.

The Council encourages prospective applicants to engage with the planning service at an early stage to discuss emerging development proposals. Pre?application engagement is optional; however, it supports effective communication, provides early professional planning advice, and helps applicants understand whether proposals are likely to accord with adopted planning policy.  Where proposals do not align with policy, officers can offer guidance on potential amendments for consideration.

The pre?application enquiry service is discretionary and chargeable. The current schedule of fees has been published including VAT.  The increasing of the fees by a flat percentage rate has created rounding errors on our IT systems.  The issue is easily resolved by making small changes to the fees required as set out in the table below.  The matter requiring decision is whether to approve a revised increase in pre?application enquiry fees which is in line with or exceeds corporate expectations.

None.