07 October 2008As part of a package of improvements to the planning services, the Council will introduce charging for some types of pre-application planning advice from 1 July 2008 so it can provide an enhanced service.
When developers or applicants wish to have a meeting with the Council’s planning officers or receive advice on a major proposal there will be a charge of £250 plus VAT.
If they wish to receive written advice on minor applications or small matters there will be charges of £50 or £100 plus VAT depending on the scale of the proposal.
However, there will be no charge for householders seeking views on the acceptability of a house extension.
The charges have been introduced to allow the Council to provide better pre-application advice. Advice will be better logged and there will be an improved response time for enquiries. The charges will also help cover the cost of the service, something many Kent councils do already.
Cllr Gary Williamson, the Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for development control, says: “Developers and others are placing increasing demands on our planners to provide accurate and timely advice on planning matters. We believe that it is only fair that they should contribute towards the cost of the service that is currently met by local Council Tax payers. The charge will allow the Council to devote more time and resources and ultimately provide a better service. Importantly the service will remain free for most homeowners for minor works and extensions.”
The Planning Reception at the Council’s Sevenoaks Offices will remain available for members of the public to view planning applications and for general enquiries.
Advice on planning matters is available via the Council’s website www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/pre-applicationadvice.
