If you're unsure whether your idea will fly, Wirral Council's pre-application advice service lets you test it before committing to a full application. It isn't free and it isn't a decision — but for the right project it can save time and money. Here's when it's worth using.
In short
Pre-application advice is an optional, paid service where Wirral gives a view on your proposal before you apply. It can be worth it for sensitive, conservation-area or uncertain schemes — helping you understand policy and avoid costly amendments. For straightforward projects where the route is already clear, it may be unnecessary. It's advice, not permission.
Not sure which route applies to your property? Send Sean your postcode, a few photos and a short description for an honest first view — with no obligation.
Reviewed by Sean Corser, SC Design & Construction. Sean Corser helps Wirral homeowners with architectural design and drawing packs for extensions, loft conversions, planning and building regulations.
Last reviewed June 2026
Pre-application advice is a service where the council looks at your proposal and gives a considered view before you submit a formal application. Wirral offers it for development proposals and welcomes early discussion.
It can help you understand relevant policy, identify problems early, reduce costly or time-consuming amendments later, and clarify what information a future application will need.
Pre-app advice tends to earn its keep on proposals that are sensitive or uncertain — conservation-area schemes, larger or more unusual extensions, or anything where the planning position genuinely isn't clear.
Getting an early steer on these can stop you investing in a design that was always going to struggle, and shape it in the right direction from the start.
For straightforward schemes where the route is already clear — a modest extension well within the usual limits, for example — pre-application advice may simply add cost and time without changing much.
We can help you judge whether your project is one where pre-app is likely to add value, or one where you can sensibly proceed straight to drawings and an application.
As a minimum, Wirral generally expects a location plan and existing and proposed drawings so it can give meaningful advice. The better the information, the more useful the response.
Based on the council's current published service, Wirral aims to provide a written response within around 20 working days (longer where a site visit or meeting is included). A charge applies, and timescales and fees can change — confirm the current details with Wirral. We can prepare the early drawings and supporting information to make a pre-app enquiry worthwhile.
A few details are enough for an honest first view — with no obligation:
Need planning & building regulations? We can prepare them — clear, coordinated and ready for builders and building control.
External links open in a new tab. Always confirm your specific project with the relevant authority.
Send Sean a few photos and a short description of what you'd like to do. You'll get an honest first view with no obligation.