Pre-Application Advice

At BTF, our Pre-Application Advice service is designed to give clients a strong foundation before submitting a planning application. By addressing risks early and identifying opportunities, we help shape more viable, policy-aligned proposals—maximising the chance of success and saving valuable time and cost.

We assess the development potential of your site against national and local planning policies, designations, and constraints. Our insight helps you understand what is likely to be supported and where adjustments may be needed.

We guide you through the most effective route to planning—whether through full applications, permitted development, prior approval, or phased development. Our advice considers timescales, costs, and deliverability, tailored to your goals.

We coordinate early engagement with planning officers and stakeholders, helping to position your proposal in the best possible light. We also manage pre-app submissions and provide supporting material where needed.

Through early due diligence, we highlight any environmental, heritage, or technical constraints and advise on how to mitigate them. At the same time, we identify potential gains—such as biodiversity net gain or design enhancements—that can strengthen your case.

From agricultural buildings and diversification schemes to residential conversions and strategic land promotion, we work across a wide range of rural and development sectors. Whatever your project, we offer straight-talking, realistic advice from the outset.