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 name and one way to contact you for an honest first view — with no obligation. A postcode, a few photos and a short description help if you have them, but aren't required to start.
Reviewed by Sean Corser, SC Design Wirral. 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.
You don't need a full brief or drawings to get started — just your name and one way to contact you. The rest is optional, and you can send more whenever it suits you.
Need building regulations drawings? 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.
All you need to start is your name and one way to contact you. A short description, postcode or a few photos help if you have them — but they're not required.