In this section
  • Is there anything I need to do before making a enquiry?

Is there anything I need to do before making a pre-application enquiry?

The following would be helpful if brought with you when seeking the advice of the duty officer.

  • Ordinance Survey (O/S) Location Plan
  • Description of the site characteristics – photographs can be used
  • Notional site and floor plans/elevations of the development. Although formal architects plans are not required at this stage, the details need to be accurate and clear enough to enable informed comments to be made
  • Where applicable, the names/references of any officer of the Council who may have previously advised upon the matter should also be provided.

In all cases, your proposal will be evaluated and any key issues confirmed to you.

Make sure the proposal requires planning permission. If you are unsure of what permissions, please contact the Planning Department. To speak to an adviser please call 08456 122660 or alternatively email us at planning@richmond.gov.uk.

  • Check whether you will need to submit a Design and Access Statement
  • Our reception will deal with general enquiries and requests for information but you can see a duty planning officer for householder applications for a more detailed disussion, daily between 1pm to 4.30pm daily. You will need to make an appointment. The officer present will run through your proposal and where possible identify the key issues.
  • Further information on whether you require planning permission is available from the Planning Portal website.
  • It may help to check the published development guidance on the Internet or at the planning reception. If your proposal is clearly contrary to the Council’s policies, it is unlikely to be supported by the Council.
  • Carry out a Planning History check on the site back to 1992 - this may identify previous unsuccessful applications that may inform you as to whether to proceed further.
  • Look at the adopted Local Plan to see if there are any policies relating to the site, and/or to your proposal - again this may well give a clear indication on the acceptability or otherwise of your proposal.