We provide pre-application advice for a fee on surface water drainage management, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and drainage strategies for most major developments.

Our advice can:

  • indicate whether a drainage proposal would be unacceptable, saving you the cost of applying formally
  • reduce the time your advisers spend on developing a drainage strategy
  • ensure your drainage submission is complete so it doesn't get rejected in the early stages
  • let you know how guidance and policies will be applied to your development
  • identify whether you need specialist input.

For minor developments we provide free standing advice on incorporating sustainable drainage.

Advice on forms

Unsure which form you need, or looking for free informal advice, contact us:

Download our pre application advice guidance (PDF, 323.4 KB) for further information.

Chargeable advice

To apply for chargeable planning advice please complete our flooding and drainage pre-application advice form.

Surface water management pre-application advice fees

All fees include VAT.

Pre-application advice fees for surface water management
Advice and meetings Cost
Written advice for a general site enquiry or flood risk assessment enquiry£240
Meeting at County Hall£360
Meeting on site£480
Further written advice after meetings£180
Any other correspondencePrice upon application

We also offer pre-application advice on land drainage. This is a separate service. We can arrange meetings with our SuDS team and land drainage engineer. This will allow you to discuss your site's drainage issues in depth.

Surface water management and land drainage pre-application advice fees

All fees include VAT.

Pre-application advice fees for surface water management and land drainage
Meeting location Cost
At County Hall or online£540
Meeting on site£720