What Is A Major Proposal?
- A Residential development (including changes of use to create additional dwellings) creating 10 or more dwellings.
- A Residential development with a site more than 0.5 hectares in size, where the number of dwellings is not specified.
- Any development exceeding 1000 square metres of floor space, (including change of use) or where the site is 1 hectare or more in size.
How Can I Receive Pre-Application Advice On Major Development Proposals?
There is currently no charge for pre-application advice on Major Development Proposals.
The quality of our response will depend on the quality and extent of information you provide. It is in your interest to provide as much information about your proposal as possible. We require the following basic information before we can process a pre-application request:
- Site Address
- Description of Proposed Development
- Site Plan with Site Boundary clearly defined in red
- Existing and Proposed land uses, floor space and whether the property/site is vacant or occupied.
- Existing and Proposed drawings and plans (Including basic footprint, site plan, typical floor plans, elevations and sections)
- Supporting photographs (site, street scene, photomontages)
- All major proposals require a Design and Access Statement which explains the design thinking behind the proposal and its relationship to its context.
- Any other relevant supporting documentation.
Please provide three copies of all plans and drawings.
Upon receipt and registration of your pre-application proposal, you will be assigned a case officer and an acknowledgement letter will be sent indicating the time it is likely to take to respond to your enquiry.
Please send all pre-application inquires to:
Development Control
Environment Directorate
Milton Keynes Council
Civic Offices
1 Saxon Gate East
Central Milton Keynes
MK9 3EJ
Or email
planning.enquiries@milton-keynes.gov.uk
A Development Team Approach
Once the pre-application proposal is submitted to the Council we will consider what internal consultations would be needed to ensure that a comprehensive view of the proposal is given. In addition your proposal will be discussed through a multi-discipline approach at a Majors Forum meeting which meets fortnightly. This means that you receive a unified and consistent approach and any contributions likely to result from the development will be detailed.
What Advice Can I Expect To Receive?
We will send you a comprehensive Pre-Application Letter covering the acceptability of the proposal 'in principle'; identify specific detailed points about the proposed development, issues that need to be resolved, information requirements and advice on the following:
- Land Use
- Design
- Listed Buildings, Conservations Areas and Archaeology
- The effect your proposal will have on surrounding occupiers
- Transport, servicing, access and parking
- Sustainability and or environmental considerations
- Natural Environment and landscaping
- Section 106 Agreements
- Other Required Documentation or information
If required, we will arrange a meeting to discuss the proposal and the planning issues arising.
Is The Advice I Receive Reliable?
We make every effort to provide accurate officer level advice. Please be advised that we do not undertake external consultation as part of the pre-application process. We consider the merits of each proposal based on the information you provide. Pre-application advice does not guarantee a positive outcome for your formal planning application. This service provides you with information to help you prepare an application that is more likely to succeed.
Will The Council Keep A Record Of The Advice I Receive?
We will keep an electronic copy of all written pre-application responses. The Development Management Service will refer to this file if we receive an application for planning permission.
We do not keep a record of general/informal (non written) advice given by duty planners.
Will The Advice Be Confidential?
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Council may be asked to provide information regarding requests for pre-application advice and copies of any advice provided. You are asked to note that the Council will comply with the obligations under the Act, however, personal contact details are protected under the Data Protection Act 1998.
We suggest you seek legal advice before requesting pre-application advice if you have any concerns over public disclosure.
Do You Have Any More Questions?
For general information please contact a Planning Enquiry Officer on 01908 252358 or email them at:
planning.enquiries@milton-keynes.gov.uk
For specific detailed information on Pre- Application Major Development Proposals please contact one of the following members of the Majors Application Team:
Alan Mills (Development Management Team Leader) 01908 252 412 or email
alan.mills@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Debbie Kirk (Senior Planning Officer) 01908 252 335 or email
debbie.kirk@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Nicola Wheatcroft (Senior Planning Officer) 01908 252 274 or email
nicola.wheatcroft@milton-keynes.gov.uk
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