A full meeting of Great Yarmouth Borough Council has agreed that prospective planning applicants who seek advice and guidance before submitting a bid will be charged.

Under a charges formula alterations to buildings advice would cost £92, minor developments of up to nine homes or the equivalent commercial floor space advice would be charged up to £582, medium developments of up to 199 homes and the commercial equivalent would have to pay up to £1,626 in advice fees and larger developments bids could pay up to £2,926.

The full council vote on Wednesday night will lead to the introduction of the new fee regime from the beginning of October.

Exemption would include charities, parish councils, adaptations for disabled people and enquiries relating to a refused or withdrawn planning application or any follow up enquiry within six months of the original one.

Council leader Graham Plant said: “As you know most councils are looking at ways to be more effective and efficient.”