What is Pre-Application Advice?

Pre-Application Advice is an optional yet highly recommended service designed to provide guidance on planning policies, transport requirements, and potential site-specific constraints before submitting a formal planning application. It involves consultations with transport consultants and planning officers to identify key considerations and assess the development's impact on transport networks.

Benefits of Pre-Application Advice

1. Early Identification of Issues

   • Highlight potential problems with transport access, parking, or infrastructure before submission.

   • Gain clarity on planning policies and local authority expectations.

2. Save Time and Costs

   • Avoid delays and invalid applications by understanding requirements upfront.

   • Reduce costly redesigns or additional surveys post-submission.

3. Improved Application Success

   • Ensure your application aligns with the London Plan, Vision Zero, and Healthy Streets Approach.

   • Develop robust proposals supported by clear evidence and professional advice.

4. Specialist Input

   • Receive tailored advice on specific transport challenges, including sustainable travel, parking, and construction traffic management.

   • Understand if additional studies, such as transport assessments or travel plans, are required.

5. Clear Guidance

   • Obtain a written summary of relevant planning policies and how your proposal fits within them.

   • Understand legal obligations, including Section 106 agreements and planning conditions.
      

CTP’s Pre-Application Services

1. Initial Feasibility Review

• Assess the development’s compatibility with local and national transport policies.

• Provide preliminary advice on layout, site access, and transport impact.

2. Engagement with Planning Authorities

• Act as a liaison with local councils to ensure requirements are clear and achievable.

• Offer guidance on borough-specific policies and methodologies (e.g., parking surveys, Healthy Streets).

3. Comprehensive Written Advice

• Provide detailed reports outlining:

  • Transport policies and standards applicable to the development.

  • Site-specific challenges and opportunities.

  • Recommendations for additional assessments (e.g., pedestrian comfort levels, PV² crossings).

4. Pre-Application Meetings

• Organise and attend meetings with local planning officers to clarify expectations.

• Offer feedback on draft proposals to refine designs before submission.

5. Scoping for Transport Assessments

• Define the scope of transport statements or assessments to address traffic, parking, and sustainable travel impacts.

• Provide guidance on additional studies, such as road safety audits or travel plans.
  
   

Who Should Use Pre-Application Advice?

Our services are ideal for:

• Developers seeking to understand transport impacts on residential, commercial, or mixed-use developments.

• Businesses planning extensions, new premises, or infrastructure changes.

• Individuals looking to secure planning permission for small-scale projects, such as vehicle accesses or parking alterations.