People in Exeter are being asked for their views on a set of charges set to be introduced for help and advice for those about to submit planning applications.
Exeter City Council is seeking feedback on its draft pre-application charging document for non-major development.
The purpose of the consultation is to determine whether the proposed charging schedule, descriptions of the services offered, expected response times, exemptions, and supporting guidance are all clear, reasonable and user-friendly.
The Council is looking to introduce charges for pre-application advice. Currently this service is discretionary, which means high demand can often exceed officer capacity, which can lead to extended response times.
Exeter is currently one of the few local planning authorities in the UK that does not charge for this type of service.
Introducing a charging schedule is intended to promote a more consistent and robust service for residents, agents and applicants. Furthermore, the revenue generated from these charges will be reinvested into the service to support its ongoing delivery, enhance service quality, and reduce reliance on the availability of officer capacity at any given time.
The survey is available on the City Council’s Engage website and only takes about five minutes to complete. Paper copies of the survey and draft charging template are available upon request from reception at the Civic Centre, Paris Street, Exeter, EX1 1JN.
The draft charging document is also available to view on the Engage website and provides details on the types of enquiries included, the level of service that will be provided, the information applicants need to supply, and the timescales for responses.
The Council invites residents, agents, and other stakeholders to share their views on the clarity of the document and the practicality of the proposed arrangements.

Start and end your day right: South West Water encourages customers to adopt water-efficient routines to protect essential supplies
Pregnant women urged to get flu vaccination ahead of winter
AI helping people reach the right service faster
Energy bill rise highlights importance of support available through Devon’s Crisis and Resilience Fund
More families to be able to access free school meals
Exeter Cathedral First In UK To Be Awarded Accredited Archive Status For Third Time
Drivers urged to take ‘Moor’ care and protect beauty spot wildlife
New solar panels support greener future for East Devon Business Centre
Hard lines for proposed school in Devon’s newest town as local criticism persists
Call for clarity over Royal Marines asbestos exposure claims
Parents in the South West urged to vaccinate children at the right time to protect them and ensure they are ready to thrive at school
South West Water offers free water-saving devices to help customers reduce their use
Battery blaze in Exeter recycling vehicle sparks fresh warning
Temporary lane closure on Bridge Road will remain in place while essential safety work is planned
Police appeal for information following an assault in Exeter
Supporting the Local Economy by Keeping Devon Walking
