Free advice on developments dropped

Selby Council bosses say companies can easily turn to the private sector for the same guidance, rather than running up bills for hard-pressed charge payers.

Discussions about planning applications before they are submitted will now come at a price in response to the recently announced central Government spending cuts.

Pre-application advice is often requested to help developers assess what they need to consider in putting together proposals, or whether such schemes are likely to clear planning legislation.

Officials have underlined the charges coming in this month mainly apply to large projects. The Council's advice service at Access Selby relating to small-scale home improvements, such as conservatories or extensions, will remain free.

The charges will be on a sliding scale, based on the size of the development, with the largest – requiring the most work – coming at a premium.

Council leader Mark Crane, said: "In an ideal world we'd be able to continue to offer this service for free, but we need to be realistic given the pressing need for us to reduce expenditure."