Planning pre-application advice for schools
A planning pre-application discharges the single biggest external risk on most school feasibility studies: that the LPA will object to the scheme on parking, drop-off, design or impact grounds.
Should the pre-app be inside the feasibility
Yes, on any scheme that touches gross area, external works, parking layout, drop-off, signage, or a listed/conservation/green-belt context. The pre-app gives the trust a written LPA position before commissioning Stage 3+ design work [source: MHCLG pre-app guidance, verified 2026-06-24].
What LPAs typically require
Site location plan, existing and proposed plans, design and access statement, sustainability statement, transport statement (or full transport assessment for larger schemes), heritage impact assessment for listed/conservation.
Typical LPA fees
£500 to £8,000 depending on the LPA and the scheme size. London boroughs and county councils typically at the top of the band. Charging schedules published on each LPA's website.
When it discharges the risk that justifies its cost
For any scheme over 500m² GIA, any green-belt or AONB site, any listed building, any scheme requiring departure from local-plan policy.
Who leads
Planning consultant for contested sites; architect for straightforward sites. Pre-app drafting typically 3-5 consultant days plus LPA fee.