Small businesses looking to expand, improve their premises or explore development opportunities in Stratford-on-Avon District can now benefit from free pre-application planning advice from Stratford-on-Avon District Council.

The new discretionary service, announced at the Stratford Business Conference, has been introduced to support local economic growth by helping small businesses understand planning requirements at an early stage and develop proposals with greater confidence.

The service offers eligible businesses the opportunity to receive professional planning advice before submitting a planning application for minor business-related developments.

By engaging with planning officers early in the process, businesses can gain valuable guidance on potential planning considerations, helping them save time, reduce uncertainty and improve the quality of future planning submissions. 

The free pre-application advice service is available for minor commercial development proposals and is designed to assist businesses that have reasonably developed plans ready for review and comment.

Applications for the building of dwellings is NOT covered by this free service

Councillor George Cowcher, Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder said: "Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, creating jobs, supporting communities and contributing to the vibrancy of our towns and villages. We know many businesses are looking to invest in their premises and expand their operations and by providing this new service demonstrates our commitment to supporting businesses to thrive and grow by providing early access to professional planning advice.

"By helping businesses better understand planning requirements before they submit an application, we can support investment and growth while ensuring proposals are developed in a way that aligns with local planning policies."

The advice provided may include guidance on planning policies, potential planning constraints, key issues that may need to be addressed as part of a future application and general feedback on proposed development plans.

However, businesses should note that the service does not include the preparation or submission of planning applications, legal advice, representation at planning committees or any guarantee that planning permission will ultimately be granted. All future planning applications will continue to be assessed through the formal planning process. 

Who can apply?
For the purposes of the free pre-application advice service, a small business must meet at least two of the following criteria over the previous three financial years:

• Employ 50 people or fewer
• Have an annual turnover not exceeding £15 million
• Have gross assets (before liabilities) not exceeding £7.5 million

Eligible business types include:

• Limited companies
• Limited liability partnerships
• Community interest companies
• Co-operatives
• Traditional partnerships
• Sole traders

Where a business forms part of a wider group, the criteria will apply to the group as a whole.

The definition of a minor application
A proposed application creating less than 1,000 square metres of new floor space on a site smaller than 1 hectare.

How to access the service
Businesses seeking free pre-application advice will be required to provide information about their proposed development, including:

• The site address
• A description of the proposed development
• Details of the existing and proposed use of the premises
• Supporting plans or drawings where available

Further details on how to apply can be found on the Council's website - FREE Small Business Pre App planning advice | Stratford-on-Avon District Council.

For more information, businesses should contact the Council's Planning Service on 01789 260303 or email planning.applications@stratford-dc.gov.uk  or visit - Pre-Application Advice | Stratford-on-Avon District Council

The free pre-application advice service is a discretionary offer from Stratford-on-Avon District Council for eligible small businesses proposing minor commercial development within the District.

The service is intended to provide informal planning guidance before a planning application is submitted and does not prejudice the outcome of any future planning application.

Small businesses play a vital role in Stratford-on-Avon District's economy. The Council's Business Survey found that many local businesses have ambitions to expand, while access to support and suitable premises remains a key factor in enabling growth.

The District has long been recognised as one of the strongest local economies in the West Midlands with one of the most competitive economies in the region.