Dartmoor to introduce fees for planning advice

It's in line with other authorities

Dartmoor residents thinking about making alterations to their homes will have to pay £180 for professional advice from Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA).

And if a planning officer needs to visit, it will cost an extra £60.

The park authority is introducing the charges for inquiries to its pre-application service, in line with other local authorities.

Its board decided that the £120 fee proposed earlier this year wasn’t enough.

It was pointed out to DNPA members that neighbouring local authorities charge up to £210 and often offer a two-tier service with a lower fee for desk-based evaluations compared to site visits.

Householder planning applications allow homeowners to alter, improve, or enlarge their home and any structures in their gardens. It can include extensions, conservatories, loft conversions, dormer windows, garages, car ports, outbuildings, swimming pools, walls and fences.

People thinking about applying for planning permission can ask for advice before they get into the costs of a full application.

Officers can help them tailor applications, but ultimately planning decisions lie with the planning authority.

DNPA currently has a range of charges for pre-application services, which are reviewed annually. While not a major income source, these charges contribute to covering costs and may determine whether a service can be provided.

Pre-application charges rise to £720 for residential developments of between 31 and 149 homes.

A review of the pre-application service and fees will be conducted over the next 12 months.