The Village Architect shall, at the written request of a prospective applicant for a certificate of appropriateness, give consideration to preliminary exterior drawings, sketches, landscape and site plans and materials on a specific project before a formal application is filed, and shall provide such advice, counsel, suggestions and recommendations on matters pertaining to aesthetics or otherwise as he may deem necessary to guide said prospective applicant in the development of a plan. The Village Architect shall act in an advisory capacity only, with regard to preliminary plans, and shall provide consultation only on projects for which preliminary drawings and materials are furnished by prospective applicants, and shall not participate in the development of basic concepts, plans or drawings. All hearings held by the Village Architect to consider preliminary plans shall be public. Upon finding the preliminary exterior drawings, sketches, landscape and site plans and materials are appropriate to or compatible with the character of the immediate neighborhood and the Village, the Village Architect will issue preliminary approval. Such approval will be irrevocable, and makes the issuance of the certificate of appropriateness mandatory upon application, unless the final presentation does not substantially comply with the preliminary presentation upon which the preliminary approval was based. (1983 Code)