Buying a home?
Use this search before you commit to see what has been applied for or approved nearby — then ask your solicitor to confirm anything material. After you move in, you can still comment on new applications if consultation is open.
Public planning records only. Some council registers take up to a minute on first search — try the same postcode again if live results are still loading.
Free UK planning tools
No signup required. Useful before you object or buy near a development.
Planning research by postcode
Constraints, applications, and ward & council in one search.
Planning constraints checker
Conservation areas, listed buildings, flood zones and more.
Planning objection deadline
Typical consultation lengths — confirm on the council portal.
Ward & council lookup
Your ward and council by postcode, with official councillor links.
45° daylight rule calculator
Quick plan-view loss-of-light test for neighbour extensions.
Search planning applications near a postcode
Planning applications are public once validated. Whether you live next door to a proposed extension or you are buying a home and want an early look at nearby development, searching by postcode is the fastest way to see what is on record.
This tool searches open national planning data and, for many councils, queries the live register directly. Results depend on your local authority — we show coverage honestly and link you to the official portal when you need the full file.
How it works
- Enter a UK postcode and choose a search radius (for example 500 m or 1 km).
- We locate the point and identify your planning authority.
- Applications within the radius are returned from national open data and live council search where enabled.
- Open any result on the council's official planning portal to read drawings, documents, and the consultation end date.
For neighbours and home buyers
Neighbours: if a new application affects your light, privacy, parking, or character, find it here first, then check the consultation deadline on the portal. A clean search does not mean nothing will ever be built — it reflects what is registered now.
Home buyers: pending or recently approved schemes nearby can affect value, amenity, or future outlook. Use this as an early screen, then ask your solicitor to confirm anything material before exchange.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I search planning applications by postcode for free?
- Yes. Enter a postcode, choose a radius, and browse public planning records. Always verify statuses and deadlines on your council's official register.
- How is this different from my council's planning portal?
- Council portals are authoritative for commenting and downloading plans. This tool helps you discover nearby applications quickly across open data and many live registers, then links you to the official record.
- Should I check planning applications when buying a house?
- Many buyers search nearby applications to spot pending or approved schemes that could affect light, parking, views, or noise. Ask your conveyancer to confirm anything material before exchange.
- Why do some postcodes show fewer results?
- Coverage depends on whether your council supports live postcode search in our tool and how complete national open data is for that authority. We indicate live vs national-only coverage when you search.
- How do I object if I find a concerning application?
- Comment on the council's planning portal before the consultation deadline. Planning Guard offers a free scan to see which concerns may be material in planning terms, then an optional draft letter from £4.99.
- Does this show permitted development or building notices?
- Most records are planning applications and appeals. Works that do not need planning permission may not appear. Check the portal and council website for wider development activity.
- Can I set up email alerts for new applications?
- Not yet on Planning Guard. Many councils offer their own alert services on their planning portal. Aggregators such as Plota also offer free alerts if you need ongoing monitoring.