Architects

Many people employ an architect to draw their plans and submit their applications. This is a good idea if you're not confident that you can draw up a set of suitable plans.

The Architects Registration Board has a register listing the name of every architect in the UK, which you may find useful. We are unable to recommend an architect.

Before submitting a planning application you should refer to the relevant validation checklist and consider all the details required to support your application. Providing as much detail as possible will reduce the number of conditions on any resulting planning permission.

Pre-application discussions

Pre-application discussions should help to speed up the development process and avoid unacceptable proposals. If you require pre-application advice you will need to make a formal pre-application request in writing and pay a fee.

Pre-application form and fees

Be First pre-application form - March 2021 (DOC, 2.7 MB)

Be First pre-application guidance and charging schedule - March 2023 (PDF, 1011KB)

Pay your pre-application fee online

Use our online payment system and select ‘Planning payments’:

Make an online payment