Pre-application advice

If you are unsure about the planning process, whether you need planning permission, or would like an opinion on likely acceptability, you may consider obtaining pre-application advice.

General planning advice

For general advice our Planning Advice Officer service is available, by prior appointment, for members of the public only. It is not available to professional agents or developers.  This service is available from Environment Direct on the first floor at the Civic Centre, at the following times:

• Monday to Friday - appointments between 10am-1pm, 2pm-4pm

To book an appointment for this service, email development.control@enfield.gov.uk and we will contact you to confirm a time. Appointments need to be made at least a day in advance.

Professional agents and developers

Professional agents and developers will need to email their proposals to development.control@enfield.gov.uk. Please note proposals may need a formal pre-application enquiry and attract a fee in accordance with Enfield Council's charging regime. For further information please see below.

Online advice

Planning guidance is also available online from the Planning Portal, which has interactive tools such as an Interactive House to illustrate if certain developments require planning permission. There are also mini guides covering House extensions, Porches, Outbuildings and Loft conversions, however, if further clarification is required then this can be provided at the reception including assistance with current planning applications. If assistance is required relating to a particular proposal or general advice is needed concerning a particular site you are requested to write in or telephone to make an appointment with a planning officer. This will enable the appropriate research to be undertaken in advance.

Charging exemptions

For proposals providing no more than one dwelling or additional floorspace of less than 100 square metres of commercial floorspace, there is currently no charge for pre application advice. Advice on a domestic extension is free. Prior to the submission of a planning application, the Council will be able to give you some idea as to whether your application is likely to be acceptable; but this advice is not a firm promise. Sometimes the planning officer might suggest how you can change your proposals so that they are more likely to be approved.

Pre-application discussions

Pre-application discussions benefit the applicant by:

• Identifying the planning issues and requirements at the earliest possible stage and speeding up the development process.
• Minimising subsequent planning application cost and avoiding abortive applications.
• Providing greater certainty for applicants and developers.
• Increasing the likelihood of the subsequent application being determined within our target response period.