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Pre-application advice and enquiries

Wondering if you need planning permission? Our pre-application service makes it easy to get guidance before you apply.

What to include in your enquiry

The advice given will depend on the level of information provided. As such clear and accurate information will allow us to provide a more thorough response.

A minimum requirement for an enquiry (at the time of submission) is;

  • a map showing the location and boundary of the site outlined in red
  • plans/sketches/annotated photographs showing any physical works
  • a written description of the proposal
  • photographs of the site

For enquiries asking for an officers opinion on whether a scheme is likely to be acceptable please also include:

IF THIS INFORMATION IS NOT SUPPLIED YOUR ENQUIRY WILL NOT BE VALID AND WILL THEREFORE NOT BE RESPONDED TO OR A MEETING ORGANISED.

The officer may request further information before providing advice or having the meeting. If further information is required to advise you or the above is not included the request may not be considered to be valid and as such meetings and the response may be delayed. 

Please note officers may also consider that your preferred service option is not the most suitable option they will advise you of this and (if the service is a lesser charge) provide this service instead. Due to time resources we are unlikely to be able to provide on site meetings unless there is a clear reason this is required.

From 1 November 2025, we will no longer accept pre-application requests by email. Please submit these via our online form or by post.

Apply via our online form

Our pre-application and service request form offers a quick and convenient way to submit your application, upload supporting documents, and make payment all in one streamlined process.

Submit & pay for your pre-application or other services request

Apply by post

Alternatively, you can apply for our pre-application and other services by post. To do so, please download and complete the form, then send it to:

Stroud District Council
Ebley Mill
Ebley Wharf
Stroud
GL5 4UB

Download the pre-application advice and enquiries form

Further information regarding planning permission can also be found on the Planning Portal and government websites. Please see the links below.

Pre-application advice is encouraged as it can:

  • Gives you an understanding of the local and national policies that will be relevant to your development
  • Option to find out at an early stage, whether specialist advice is needed to further develop your proposal. This could include information relating to listed buildings, trees, landscape, noise, transport, contaminated land, drainage, ecology or archaeology
  • Highlight the necessary requirements for a planning application which may reduce the risk of the application being invalidated when received
  • Find out if a proposal is principally unacceptable which may save you the time and money that would be associated with developing a full planning application submission
If you haven’t already paid via the online form then the fee can be paid over the phone on 01453 766321 or via our website 

It will take between 4-6 weeks for you to receive your advice.

The formal written advice given in response to this request will NOT be binding on the Council in its determination of any subsequent planning application submitted as a result of or following on from advice given in response to this request. These opinions should not be relied upon for the sale or mortgaging of property. This is because, until a scheme has been consulted upon, it remains only the opinion of one case officer and not that of the Local Planning Authority.

You should apply for a certificate of lawful development.

The pre-application service is reliant on you the applicant/agent advising the council on what works you are looking to carry out. We cannot design the scheme or development for you. Therefore to obtain pre application advice you will be required to have a proposed design and scheme which you are looking to get planning permission for in order for us to offer our opinion.

No you are only able to submit formal planning applications via the planning portal.