We offer a pre-application advice service for anyone who would like guidance or support before submitting a planning application.
We strongly recommend talking to our planning officers before you apply. Getting advice early can help you receive a quicker response later and improve your chances of submitting a valid application that meets planning policies and requirements. This is especially helpful for larger developments that may have a significant impact on the surrounding area.
Using this service can help reduce costs, avoid delays, and minimise the risk of submitting an application that cannot go ahead.
How to apply
All requests must be made using our online form and include any supporting information. We cannot accept applications by email or post.
Payment must be made online immediately after submitting your form. We are unable to issue invoices or accept cheques. Your request will only be processed once payment has been received. A VAT receipt can be provided on request.
Our advice can increase the likelihood of planning permission being granted. However, if you choose not to follow the advice provided, any future planning application may still be refused, without further negotiation.
If you prefer not to use our service, the Planning Portal offers free guidance on submitting planning applications.
Fees
Levels of service
Oldham Council offers different levels of pre-application advice depending on the size and complexity of your proposal:
These services apply where it has already been established that planning permission is required.
We aim to send you written advice by email within 20 working days of receiving your enquiry.
How our advice can help
Our guidance can help you understand:
- Any issues or changes needed before you apply
- What documents and information you need to submit
- Whether your proposal fits with planning policy
- Any site constraints
- Whether financial contributions or planning obligations may apply
- Which other organisations you may need to contact
Please note that pre-application advice is informal. It is based on the information you provide and does not represent a formal decision by the Council. All planning applications are subject to public consultation and final approval by the Council.
Any advice is given in good faith and without prejudice to the formal decision-making process.
If a meeting is arranged and later cancelled, we are unable to offer a refund, as preparation work will already have taken place.
Planning Performance Agreements (PPAs)
A Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) is a more tailored way of working together to progress a development proposal through the planning process.
Each PPA has a dedicated project officer and allows the Council to:
- Create a clear project plan from early advice through to decision
- Provide detailed, constructive advice before an application is submitted
- Discuss proposals in greater depth at regular meetings
- Improve the quality of major planning applications
- Take a more flexible and bespoke approach to engagement
- Work beyond standard 13- or 16-week timescales where needed
How a PPA works
A PPA is a voluntary agreement between the applicant and the Council and includes two stages.
Pre-application stage
We agree meeting dates, discussion topics, and attendees. This helps identify and resolve potential issues early, so the application can progress smoothly later on.
Application stage
We agree a clear timetable and process for determining your planning application.
Benefits of a PPA
Signing up to a PPA gives you:
- A named point of contact
- Early identification of key issues
- Clear, realistic timescales
- Greater transparency and accountability
- Dedicated officer time focused on your project
We also offer PPAs to deal with planning conditions or Reserved Matters for existing permissions.
While a PPA offers the best possible chance of success, approval cannot be guaranteed.
Fees for PPAs
An initial meeting is free and gives us a chance to discuss whether a PPA is suitable. After this meeting, a fee will be proposed based on the scope of work. Once agreed, the PPA will be formally signed by both parties.
Get in touch
We encourage early discussions if you are interested in a PPA. For an initial conversation, please contact:
Graham Dickman
Special Projects Development Lead
Email: graham.dickman@oldham.gov.uk
Other services available
We also offer:
- Variation, modification, or discharge of legal agreements
- Planning history searches
- Permitted Development enquiries
Charges may apply. To use any of these services, please email planning@oldham.gov.uk.