What this service covers
This service is suitable for the following types of planning applications:
- Residential developments of 21 to 49 homes
- Commercial developments with floorspace between 2,000 and 9,999 square metres
- Sites with an area of 1 to 2 hectares
Larger developments are important to us, as they can have a significant impact on Oldham. It is important to get these proposals right, both for the local economy and for the communities and areas they affect. For this reason, we will offer a pre-application advice meeting to discuss your proposals in detail.
What advice we can provide
We can offer guidance on:
- Relevant planning policies and other planning requirements
- The planning process, including consultation and likely timescales
- What information is needed to submit a valid planning application
- Informal, non-binding comments and guidance on the content and presentation of an application, to help it align with the Council’s planning policies
Information we need from you
To provide a high-quality advice service, we will need sufficient information about your proposal. In general, the more detail you can provide, the better we can support you in shaping your plans and preparing your application. As a minimum, this will include:
- A clear description of the proposed development
- Photographs and/or sketch drawings showing the site, buildings, and trees as they currently are
- Outline plans of the proposal (at a scale of 1:50 or 1:100)
- Sketch drawings showing the size, height, and overall scale of the development
- Relevant technical reports
Additional specialist information may also be required for schemes of this type. The case officer will assess your submission and let you know if any further information is needed. The officer will also research the planning history, carry out any necessary internal consultations, and will usually visit the site before the pre-application meeting.
What you will receive
The service will usually involve the planning case officer only. If you would like officers from other Council services to attend the pre-application meeting, please let us know on the application form. An additional charge will apply for each additional officer involved. While you may request involvement from other officers, the Council will decide who is best placed to support the service.
Provided all the required information is available, you can expect:
- A meeting with the case officer to discuss your draft planning application, including advice on planning issues, constraints, application requirements, and an indication of whether the proposal is likely to be acceptable
- If requested, a written response from the case officer within 10 working days of the meeting, setting out the advice given