Get free advice on a development proposal

Use this service to get free advice on a development proposal (called a 'preliminary opinion').

Information we provide

We will provide:

an indicative view on which environmental considerations need to be taken into account as part of your application
an outline of the assessments that may be required to support your application

You can only apply for free advice once for each development you are involved with.

1. Check that your proposal meets one of the criteria we give advice on.

2. Get advice from the relevant local planning authority on:

whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should be undertaken as part of your planning application.
if your proposal will pass the justification tests in relation to flood risk, as set out in Technical Advice Note 15: Development and Flood Risk.
any proposal that is likely to have a significant effect on a European nature conservation site or European Protected Species), and what (if any) information they require to undertake an appropriate assessment under the Conservation of Habitats and Species regulations 2017

3. Read our guidance.

4. Prepare the following information:

your name and contact details
a description of:
- current use of the site
- proposed new use
- size and type of the development
location plan showing the boundary of the proposed development. Use a scale between 1:10,000 and 1:25,000 and show any watercourses or water bodies within your development site
indicative layout plan of the proposed works, including all proposed access roads, buildings, details of the method of disposing of foul sewage and any other proposed structures, together with any site formation and temporary works that you propose to carry out
where relevant, a plan of any other development or works that you may carry out, or request others to carry out, in order to construct and/or to operate your proposed development

We will respond within 21 days of receiving the information we need.

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