Jan 20, 2026
Finding out about building plans near your home doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. You can check planning applications in your local area by searching your council's online planning register using your postcode, which takes just a few minutes. Every local authority in England makes planning applications public, so you have the right to view what's being proposed in your neighbourhood.
Knowing how to access this information quickly can help you stay informed about developments that might affect your property. Whether it's an extension next door or a new building down the street, you can easily track applications without spending hours searching through council websites. Most councils now offer online tools that let you search, view documents, and monitor applications from your computer or phone.
This guide will show you the fastest ways to find planning applications near you and explain what to look for when reviewing them. You'll learn which websites to use, how to set up alerts for new applications, and how to make sense of planning documents without getting overwhelmed.
Key Takeaways
You can search planning applications using your postcode on your local council's website or through the Planning Portal
Understanding what planning applications mean helps you assess how new developments might affect your property
Setting up alerts and monitoring tools saves time by notifying you automatically when new applications are submitted near you
Why Checking Planning Applications Matters
Planning applications in your area can directly affect your daily life, property value, and legal rights. Understanding what's being proposed nearby gives you the opportunity to respond before decisions become final.
Protecting Your Interests as a Property Owner
When someone submits a planning application near your property, it could affect your access to light, privacy, or parking. A neighbour's extension might block sunlight to your garden. A new fence could restrict your view or create boundary disputes.
You have legal rights to comment on planning applications during the consultation period. This window typically lasts 21 days from when the council posts the application. Missing this deadline means losing your chance to raise concerns formally.
Key rights you can exercise:
Submit written objections to the local planning authority
Attend planning committee meetings for major applications
Request additional information about proposed developments
Appeal decisions in certain circumstances
Checking planning applications also helps you avoid buying a property with pending developments nearby. Some buyers discover too late that a new block of flats was already approved next door.
Staying Informed About New Developments Nearby
New developments can change your neighbourhood significantly. A single planning application might bring a new school, supermarket, or housing estate to your street. These changes affect traffic patterns, noise levels, and local amenities.
Planning applications become public record once submitted. Your local council maintains a register you can search by postcode or address. Applications remain valid for up to five years, meaning work could start at any point during this period.
Early awareness gives you time to prepare. If a new development will increase traffic on your road, you might choose to raise concerns about road safety. If it's a community facility, you could support the application to help it progress.
Influence on Property Value
Planning applications can increase or decrease your property's market value. A new development that improves local infrastructure often raises nearby property prices. Conversely, a large industrial building might reduce the appeal of residential properties.
Developments that typically affect value:
Positive: Parks, schools, transport links, community centres
Negative: Industrial sites, high-density housing, mobile phone masts
Variable: Commercial premises, which depend on the type of business
Estate agents and surveyors check planning records when valuing properties. Approved applications appear in local searches during property sales. Buyers often reduce offers or withdraw entirely when they discover unwanted developments nearby.
Properties in conservation areas or near listed buildings face stricter planning rules. These restrictions can protect your property's character but may limit what you can build yourself.
Understanding Planning Applications and Permissions
Planning applications are formal requests submitted to local councils for permission to build or modify properties, whilst planning permission is the official approval you receive. Some smaller projects fall under permitted development rights, which means you can proceed without applying.
What is Planning Permission?
Planning permission is legal authorisation from your local planning authority to carry out development work on a property. You need it for most significant building projects, including extensions, new structures, or changes to building use.
The system exists to ensure developments meet local policies and don't negatively impact neighbours or the surrounding area. Without proper permission, you risk enforcement action, fines, or being forced to remove unauthorised work.
Local councils assess applications against planning policies, conservation rules, and neighbour concerns. They typically take 8 weeks for standard householder applications and up to 13 weeks for major developments.
You can check if existing planning permission exists on a property by searching your council's online planning portal using the address or postcode.
Types of Planning Applications
Different projects require different application types. Full planning permission requires detailed plans and drawings showing exactly what you intend to build.
Householder applications cover home extensions, conservatories, and similar domestic work. These cost £206 in application fees plus the cost of drawings.
Outline planning permission lets you test if a development is acceptable in principle before committing to detailed designs. You submit reserved matters applications later with full details.
Listed building consent applies when altering buildings of special architectural or historic interest. You may need this alongside standard planning permission.
Prior approval applications check specific details for projects that qualify under permitted development rights, such as larger extensions or agricultural buildings.
Permitted Development Explained
Permitted development rights allow you to make certain changes without submitting a full planning application. These rights cover small extensions, loft conversions, and outbuildings that meet specific size and height limits.
Single-storey rear extensions up to 3 metres (terraced houses) or 4 metres (detached and semi-detached) typically qualify. Your extension cannot extend beyond the rear wall by more than this, and it must not exceed 4 metres in height.
Not all properties have these rights. Conservation areas, listed buildings, and flats often face restrictions. Article 4 directions can also remove permitted development rights in specific areas.
You still need building regulations approval even when planning permission isn't required. These are separate controls that ensure structural safety and energy efficiency.
How to Find Planning Applications Near Your Property
You can find planning applications through your local council's website, national search tools, or planning aggregator services. Each method gives you access to planning registers that show current and past applications in your area.
Using Local Planning Authority Websites
Your local planning authority maintains a public planning register on its website. This register contains all planning applications submitted in your council's area.
Visit your council's website and look for the planning section. Most councils have a dedicated planning portal or planning applications page. You'll typically find it under sections labelled "Planning," "Planning and Building Control," or "Development Management."
Each council's website works differently because there's no standard system across the UK. Some have modern, easy-to-use search tools. Others use older systems that take more time to navigate.
Before you can search, some councils require you to accept terms of a licence agreement. This is due to data protection legislation. The agreement simply covers how you can use the information you find.
Searching with Postcode or Address
You can search for planning applications without knowing the application number. Enter a full or partial address into the search box on your council's planning register.
If you don't know which local authority covers an area, use a postcode instead. The government's planning decision register helps you identify the correct council for any UK postcode.
Some councils let you search by ward or neighbourhood. This shows all applications in a larger area rather than just one property. You can also use online mapping tools that many councils now provide. These tools let you click on a map to see applications nearby.
Weekly lists of new applications are published by most authorities. These lists help you spot recent submissions without searching for specific addresses.
Navigating Planning Registers
Planning registers show detailed information about each application. You'll find the site address, application number, and description of the proposed work.
The register lists the applicant's name and any agent acting for them, such as an architect or planning consultant. You can see the case officer handling the application at the council.
Important dates appear on each record. These include when the application was received, registered, and the target decision date. You'll also see consultation dates and when decisions were made for older applications.
Each application includes drawings, location plans, and often a design and access statement. Comments from consultees appear too, including responses from neighbours, parish councils, and other organisations.
Using Planning Application Aggregator Tools
National aggregator services collect planning data from councils across the UK. These tools save you from visiting multiple council websites.
UK PlanIt aggregates current and historical planning information nationally. You can search for applications and navigate between different regions and planning authorities from one place.
PlanningChecker and similar services offer search and monitoring tools. Some send free notifications when new applications appear in your area. These services work particularly well if you want to track multiple locations or don't know which council covers an area.
Property Checker lets you enter a postcode to find relevant applications through the appropriate local authority. Aggregator tools vary in what they offer, and some require registration to access all features.
Navigating Planning Data and Information Sources
You can access planning information through three main channels: your local council's planning portal, national aggregator platforms, and digital planning registers. Each source offers different features and coverage levels for checking applications near your property.
Official Local Council Planning Portals
Your local planning authority maintains the most complete and up-to-date planning data for your area. Every council in England and Wales publishes planning applications on their website, making them available for public viewing.
Most councils use a system called Public Access. You can search using a postcode, address, or planning application number. The portal shows current applications, historical decisions, and all related documents including plans and drawings.
Each council runs its own portal independently. This means the layout and search functions vary between authorities. You'll find the planning portal through your local council's website, usually under a "Planning" or "Planning Applications" section.
The planning register held by your council is the official record. It contains every application submitted in your area, along with decision notices, neighbour comments, and planning conditions.
National Planning Data Platforms
National platforms gather planning information from multiple councils into one searchable database. UK PlanIt and similar services let you search applications across different regions without visiting individual council websites.
These platforms save time when checking multiple areas or tracking applications across authority boundaries. You can search by postcode and view applications from surrounding councils in one place.
Planning data on national platforms may not be complete. Coverage varies, and some platforms are still building their databases. The information might lag behind your local council's official records by a few days.
Digital Planning Registers
Digital planning registers provide interactive ways to view planning data. Some services offer map-based searches where you can see applications plotted on a map of your area.
These tools often include measuring features to check distances from your property. You can filter by application type, status, or date to narrow your search.
Planning information from digital registers typically links back to the original council documents. While these platforms make searching easier, they draw from the same planning data your local council publishes.
Tracking, Monitoring, and Responding to Applications
Once you find a planning application that affects your area, you'll want to track its progress and potentially make your voice heard. Most local planning authorities offer free notification services and public comment periods that let you stay informed and participate in the decision-making process.
Setting Up Alerts and Notifications
You can sign up for automatic alerts that notify you when new planning applications appear near your property. Most council websites let you create a free account where you set your postcode and preferred search radius. You'll receive emails whenever someone submits planning information within that area.
Several third-party services also monitor the planning register across multiple councils. These platforms often provide more flexible search options and cleaner interfaces than individual council websites. Some services are free whilst others charge for premium features like advanced filtering or commercial monitoring.
When setting up alerts, choose a radius that balances coverage with relevance. A 100-200 metre radius typically captures immediate neighbours, whilst 500 metres catches developments that might affect local traffic or amenities.
Viewing Application Details and Status
Planning applications include several key documents you can access through the planning register. The application form shows what the applicant wants to build. Plans and drawings illustrate the proposed changes. Design and access statements explain the reasoning behind the proposal.
You'll also find consultation responses from neighbours and statutory consultees. The case officer's report appears later in the process and provides professional analysis of the application.
Each application displays its current status. "Pending consideration" means the council is still reviewing it. "Approved" or "Refused" indicates a decision has been made. "Withdrawn" means the applicant cancelled their request.
How to Comment or Object
You have the right to comment on any planning application during the consultation period, which typically lasts 21 days from when the council validates the application. Your local planning authority accepts comments through their website, by email, or by post.
Focus your comments on material planning considerations such as:
Impact on privacy, light, or outlook
Traffic and parking concerns
Design and appearance
Effect on local character
Noise or disturbance
Avoid mentioning property values, business competition, or personal disputes with neighbours. These aren't valid planning reasons.
Include your name and address in your comment. Anonymous submissions carry less weight. Be specific and factual rather than emotional.
Following Application Progress
Check the planning register regularly to see updates on applications you're monitoring. The council adds new documents as the case progresses, including responses from consultees and amended plans from applicants.
Key milestones include the case officer's report, which usually appears 1-2 weeks before the decision. This report recommends approval or refusal and addresses comments received. For applications decided by committee rather than officers, you can find meeting dates and sometimes attend to observe.
If the council approves an application you objected to, you typically have six weeks to request a judicial review. Most decisions also include conditions that limit how and when development can proceed.
Key Tips to Save Time When Checking Planning Applications
Most councils process hundreds of planning applications each month, and manually scrolling through each one wastes valuable time. Smart search strategies and automated alerts can help you find relevant planning applications in minutes rather than hours.
Using Advanced Search Features
Every local planning authority website includes search filters that most people ignore. You can search by postcode, street name, application type, or date range to narrow down results quickly.
Start with your postcode to see all applications within a specific radius. If this returns too many results, add filters for application type (such as "householder" for extensions or "full planning" for new builds). Date filters help you focus on recent submissions rather than decade-old approvals.
Many council websites let you search by applicant name or agent name. This proves useful when you notice the same developer working in your area repeatedly.
The application number search works fastest when you already have a reference from a site notice or neighbour. Keep this number saved for future checks on the same development.
Registering for Direct Updates
Local planning authorities send email alerts when new applications match your saved search criteria. You set your preferences once and receive notifications automatically as planning data updates.
Register on your council's planning portal and create a watchlist based on your street name or postcode. Some councils offer weekly summaries whilst others send alerts within 24 hours of new submissions.
Third-party services aggregate planning applications from multiple authorities into one dashboard. These platforms often provide more detailed filtering options and faster notifications than individual council websites.
Set alerts for specific application types that concern you most. A large residential development affects more people than a single-storey extension, so prioritise accordingly.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Searching too broadly returns hundreds of irrelevant planning applications. A whole postcode district search might show applications miles away from your property. Narrow your search to your immediate street or a 100-metre radius.
Many people check only once and miss important updates. Applications get amended, withdrawn, or decided weeks after submission. Check your saved searches fortnightly or rely on automatic alerts.
Council planning portals often run slowly during peak hours (weekday lunchtimes). Search early morning or evening for faster loading times.
Don't assume the first search result shows the latest application. Sort by date submitted or validated to see the newest planning data first. Some neighbours submit multiple applications for the same property over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Finding planning applications near your property involves using local authority websites, setting up email alerts, and understanding how to access and interpret public records. You can comment on applications that affect your area and review historical planning decisions for any location.
What online resources can I use to find planning applications in my local area?
Your local council's planning portal is the primary resource for finding planning applications. Each local authority maintains a public register where you can search by address, postcode, or application reference number.
Many councils offer interactive maps that let you click on your area to see all nearby applications. The Planning Portal and PlanningChecker are national resources that help you find the correct local authority website if you're unsure which council covers your area.
Most council websites allow you to view application documents, drawings, and comments from neighbours and consultees. You may need to accept a data protection licence agreement before accessing some information.
Are there any alerts or notification services for new planning proposals nearby?
Most local authorities offer free email notification services that alert you when new applications are submitted in your chosen area. You create an alert by defining your area of interest, usually by drawing a boundary on a map or entering your postcode.
Planning Alerts and similar services send daily or weekly emails when new applications match your criteria. These automated systems update each day with the latest applications from planning authorities.
Some councils also publish weekly lists of recently received applications on their websites. You can check these lists without registering for alerts if you prefer to monitor applications manually.
What are the steps involved in accessing public planning records?
Start by identifying your local planning authority, which you can do by entering your postcode on the government's planning register search. Once you've found the correct council, navigate to their planning section.
You can search using an application reference number if you have one. Application numbers vary between councils and might look like APP/2025/20986/FUL or LBC/3472/2025.
If you don't have a reference number, search by address or use the interactive map tool if available. The system will show current and past applications, including submission dates, decision dates, and associated documents.
How can I understand the impact of a nearby planning application on my property?
Review the design and access statement that accompanies most applications, as this explains the proposed development in detail. Study the submitted drawings and site plans to see the scale, height, and position of the proposed development.
Look at the comments from neighbours and statutory consultees like highways authorities or environmental agencies. These often highlight concerns about parking, privacy, overshadowing, or other impacts.
Some services like Tytl offer measuring tools that let you check distances between the proposed development and your property. The case officer's report, if published, will assess the application's impact on surrounding properties.
Is there a way to view the history of planning applications for a specific location?
Local authority planning registers include both current and historical applications for any address. When you search for a property, the system shows all applications associated with that location, including approved, refused, and withdrawn proposals.
Historical records typically show the decision date, any conditions attached to approvals, and reasons for refusals. You can also find information about appeals lodged following refusals.
This information helps you understand what changes have been made to a property over time. Some authorities keep records going back several decades, though older applications may have limited digital documentation.
Can I object to a planning application, and what is the process if so?
You can comment on any planning application during the consultation period, which typically lasts 21 days from when the application is registered. Each application page on the council website includes a link to submit your comments online.
Your comments must be planning-related, focusing on issues like design, privacy, traffic, or impact on the area's character. Comments about property values or personal disputes are not considered valid planning objections.
Be aware that your comments become public documents and appear on the council's website alongside other responses. You should include your name and address, and explain clearly how the development would affect you or the local area.