Old cottage to retiree apartment.

[The Natural Philosopher]

Not my experience at all. Why is tehre a duty officer if not to anser questions?

The first question should be "where I am, is any development possible at all?"

[Mike Halmarack]

OK, I checked and in our neck of the woods, a duty planning officer does not exist UNTIL plans are submitted, which then provides the only entry available into the council's planning system.

[Mike Halmarack]

My partner just made a pre application enquiry and was told that step one was to submit a plan. The service appears to have been streamlined.

[Roger Hayter]

I have heard that this happens in some districts nowadays. It is very sad, because planning officers used to be an invaluable source of advice.

[harry]

Most of them these days are university twits/bimbos with not an ounce of practical experience.

[Jim K..]

Decent & independent planning consultant ? Do some interviewing, ask about, there are many levels of "expertise" from mere technical drawers up, you don't want a numpty.

[Jim K..]

I wouldn't start at the council. The building exists, it's just a matter of what's achievable in its replacement...

I expect they'd be selling without doing anything other than getting as much value lift from obtaining planning permission as possible.

[Jim K..]

Less of the sidekick s'il vous plait! :-)

[Jim K..]

and remember the bit when they say "you can't rely (legalese) on anything we discuss here, the only way to get anything to rely on is to make an application & pay the fees"... YMMV but I doubt it.

[Jim K..]

"Please note that most site specific enquiries cannot be addressed without the benefit of thorough research, consultation and a site visit. Consequently the Duty Officer is unable to advise on the likelihood of a particular proposal obtaining planning permission. If you require such advice you are advised to submit a pre application enquiry (where relevant). "