Pre Application Disussions

Council’s Planning Department is implementing new procedures for Pre Application Discussions on 01 September 2024.  The new procedures have been developed in discussion with Planning Agents who submit applications in the Borough.

If you are unsure whether or not planning permission will be granted and you want more detail in relation to what constraints there are within the site and what further additional information may be required, you can submit a request to us for a Pre-Application Discussion. 

The pre-application discussion process will be adapted to suit the proposed development.  A proportionate approach will be taken and agreement will be sought at the outset on who should be involved in the process.  Consultation with statutory consultees will only be undertaken when requested.  This should be clearly set out in the Pre-Application Discussion Form (PAD Form) when submitting your request for a meeting.

In order to request a pre-application discussion, you must complete the PAD Form providing as much detail as possible and where applicable, provide dates you are available for a meeting.  You must also provide the appropriate fee and any relevant supporting information supporting information – refer to DMIN 05 Pre-Application Discussions for further details on the PAD process.

Pre-Application Discussions are not a statutory requirement but offer significant potential to improve both the efficiency and effectiveness of the planning process and improve the quality of submission of applications.  This process does not replace the requirement for developers proposing ‘major category of development’ or ‘regionally significant developments’ to comply with Section 27 of the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 regarding pre-development community consultation.

Please note that general information such as planning history, site constraints and designations are available to view via the planning portal.

It is important to note that any pre-application advice given is on a without prejudice basis.  It does not comprise any formal decision by us and is not therefore legally binding.

You should be aware that information related to pre-application requests may be subject to requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2002 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.  These provide for some exemptions from the need to disclose commercially sensitive information.  In cases where you consider that specific information is exempt under the Act or Regulations, you should provide the justification to us.