Planning Changes

As part of their commitment to continue to improve the planning process and promote quality development for the future, Dover District Council Planning has reviewed how it works to provide more advice at an earlier stage to help people make the most effective applications. Charges have been introduced for pre-application advice so that planners can provide a dedicated and responsive service to help people prepare planning applications.

The system, for people wishing to discuss their planning applications before submitting them, was developed following comment from professional agents and a review of what happens in other Councils. Free advice continues to be given for simple enquiries, including householders wishing to extend their homes.

Cllr Nicholas Kenton, DDC Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning said: "We are working hard to enable and promote quality development as part of the Council's ambitious agenda to transform our district through growth. Pre-application discussion has a key role as the better and earlier the advice we can give, the better and faster the outcome. We have now introduced charges to cover our costs so we can continue to improve how we help householders, developers and their professional advisers."

For more detailed information on charges for pre-application advice, see the DDC website at www.dover.gov.uk/planning.