Major Pre-application Advice

Pre-application Guide for Major Developments

Moray Council is committed to delivering a major pre-application service to assist in identifying key issues and information that will need to be submitted as part of a major planning application.  To ensure these objectives are delivered procedures have been put in place for dealing with pre-application advice for major applications.

This guidance outlines the process that The Moray Council will follow to provide efficient pre-application advice to developers within Moray to support the local economy.  The new service will help to make the planning process more efficient by encouraging early and effective communication to help in identifying key issues early on in the process and avoid delays during the processing of the applications.

If you would like to use this service please complete the pre-application meeting form and select one of the pre-set dates which is most convenient to you.  As much supporting information about your proposal should be provided at this stage.

By using this service you can be assured of a joined up approach and you will receive advice on a number of material considerations including:

• Policy
• Site Constraints
• Transportation
• Amenity/Nature Conservation
• Design
• Planning Gain
• Flooding & Drainage
• List of key documents/information

For more details on the process and how we will deal with any subsequent application please see the document A Pre-application Guide for Major Developments.

Freedom of Information

There is a possibility that, under the Freedom of Information Act, the Council will be asked to provide information regarding enquiries for pre-application advice and copies of any advice provided or correspondence entered into.  This information may only be withheld if its disclosure could prejudice commercial interest, inhibit the free and frank provision of advice or exchange of views during the planning process, or could prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs.  Those seeking pre-application advice should provide a covering letter that sets out the reasons why, and for how long, any information relating to the case needs to be confidential.

It will then be for the Council to decide whether information can be treated as exempt from disclosure and it should be recognised that the thrust of the legislation is to make information accessible unless there is a pressing reason why not.  Each case will be assessed on its merits.  The passage of time may remove the need for exemption as information becomes less sensitive.  Generally, notes and correspondence relating to pre-application discussion will not be treated as confidential, once a planning application has been submitted and the case is in the public domain.

Contact

For further information or advice on the process please contact the Manager ( Development Management) using the contact details on the left.