Tendring District Council (TDC) has launched a new pre-application service to help streamline the planning process in the district.

The initiative is designed to provide comprehensive support to homeowners, developers and architects ahead of submitting a planning application and aims to reduce the number of amendments to planning applications, cutting costs in the process.

Under the scheme, the council’s planning team will provide detailed advice and expert guidance on planning policies, potential issues, and the likelihood of approval. The council says that early feedback on proposals will help identify and address potential challenges before a formal application is submitted.

The council’s response will include a full brochure detailing planning history, consultee responses, next steps, and the council’s view on the proposed works. The service will connect with a range of external consultees, including Essex Highways Authority and Essex Place Services, and the new application forms are said to be simpler and easier to follow.

A dedicated area on the council’s Planning Services website has been created to provide full guidance and links to all necessary information to submit a pre-application. Find it at tendringdc.gov.uk/departments/pre-application.