Getting advice before you apply

Applying for planning permission can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be with us helping you through the process.

Getting pre-application advice can take the stress out of your development plans and ensure that it is processed smoothly and efficiently. Find out more about the process on this page.

Why get pre-application advice?

We can advise if planning permission is needed. Early consideration of issues allows us to offer detailed advice on both the principle and design of any scheme before the proposal is taken forward as a formal application.

Pre-application advice can:

• Identify issues any developer should consider, including flood risk, landscape character and Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Identify the level of supporting information and detail that should accompany the formal application.
• Avoid expensive mistakes being made at application stage.
• Speed up processing of the application by ensuring you provide the right information.
• Make sure groups or individuals you must consult by law are engaged with as early as possible.
• Identify schemes which are unlikely to be approved.
• Avoid time spent on making an application if permission is not needed.

It can also save the disappointment of having your application refused because of a problem that could have been dealt with at the start.

How to get pre-application advice

You will need to provide the following information so that we can understand what you are proposing:

• The postal address of the site and a location plan so we can see where the site is
• Details of what is on the site at the moment, including existing buildings, layout and features of the site - explained with plans and/or drawings and/or a written description as appropriate
• Details of what is proposed. This will include proposed buildings and/or alterations, and any proposed uses and layout. This must include proposed dimensions and materials. The proposals should be explained with plans and/or drawings and/or a written description as appropriate

We have provided a pre-application advice form which you can use to submit details of your proposal in addition to the necessary plans, drawings and written description. Alternatively you can email your query to planning@broads-authority.gov.uk

When we receive your pre-application enquiry we will consider it against planning policies and will send you a written response within 20 working days. This will give you an assessment, with details of what information will be needed to support a planning application. Although it is not usually necessary, if we need to discuss your proposal we will contact you . The advice we give you will be based on current planning policy and the information you supplied. Please be aware that this advice is officer-level only and is non-binding.

We also have a Duty Planner system so you can speak to someone by phone or make an appointment to come to our office The Duty Planner will not be able to give any pre-application advice, it is for general enquiries only. This service is available from Monday - Friday (9am to 1pm). Please call 01603 610734 and ask for the Duty Planner.

Pre-application advice charges

Under section 93 of the Local Government Act 2003 local planning authorities have the ability to charge for the provision of discretionary services.

Following successive reductions in the value of the DEFRA National Park revenue grant and increasing inflationary costs, the Authority has reluctantly concluded that offering free pre-app advice is no longer sustainable and will be charging for this advice from 1 April 2026. This is part of a wider programme of measures and cost savings made by the Authority to safeguard the delivery of our core statutory services and purposes.

The change brings the Authority into line with all six of its constituent district local planning authorities and the nine English national park authorities who all charge for pre-application advice.

The Planning Team is committed to providing a high level of professional advice which leads to better outcomes for the area. This is shown in the consistently high rating by applicants with average satisfaction levels of the overall service currently at 4.29 out of 5.

Fees table

Contact us

Planning and Resources, Broads Authority, Yare House, 62-64 Thorpe Road, Norwich, NR1 1RY

Telephone: 01603 610734

Email us - please select 'Planning' under 'Who would you like to contact?'