Where does the planning data come from?

From PlanIt, which aggregates planning applications published by UK councils on their public registers, under the Open Government Licence. Each result links straight to the official record on the council's own portal.

Why would I check planning applications near a home?

Applications nearby tell you what might change around a property you're considering — a neighbour's extension, a new development, a change of use, or a larger scheme that could affect light, parking, traffic or the character of the street. It's the kind of thing that's easy to miss until after you've moved.

Is this the same as the searches my solicitor does?

No. This is a quick snapshot of recent planning activity nearby to help you spot anything worth asking about. Your conveyancer runs formal local-authority searches (LLC1 and CON29) against the specific property as part of the legal process — this tool complements that, it doesn't replace it.

Can I see the full history of one specific property?

Use the address filter to narrow the recent results to a street or address. For the complete history of a single property — including older applications — open its record on the council register and search by address there.

What types of application does it show?

Everything councils publish — householder work like extensions and loft conversions, new builds, changes of use, listed-building consent and larger developments. Use the type filter to focus on what matters to you.

Does an application mean it will definitely be built?

No. Applications can be approved, refused, withdrawn or amended, and even approved schemes aren't always built. Always check the current status on the council record.

How recent is the data?

It reflects what councils have published to their registers, refreshed regularly via PlanIt. Very new applications can take a little while to show up as each council uploads them.

What radius should I use?

Start small — a tight radius shows immediate neighbours and the same street. Widen it to catch larger developments a few streets away that could still affect traffic, parking or outlook.

Yes. It's free and there's no sign-up.

Check planning applications near a postcode

See what's been proposed around an area you're considering — extensions, new builds and developments — straight from council registers. Enter a postcode, set a radius, and filter by type or address.

Last updated: August 2026

How the planning checker works

Enter a postcode, set a radius, and the checker lists recent planning applications around it — extensions, loft conversions, new builds, changes of use and larger developments. Filter by type or address to narrow it down.

Applications come from PlanIt, which collects what UK councils publish on their planning registers under the Open Government Licence. Each result links to the official record on the council's own portal, where you can read the documents, drawings and decision.

Because it's drawn from live council data, coverage and detail vary a little by area, and very recent applications can take a short while to appear.

How to check planning applications near a postcode

Enter the postcode
Type the postcode of the area or property you're considering.
Set the radius and filters
Choose how wide to look, and filter by application type or address to focus in.
Open the council record
Click through to the official application on the council's own portal.
Check the status and documents
See whether it's pending, approved, refused or withdrawn, and read the plans.

How to read the results

An application isn't a decision. Plenty are refused, withdrawn or changed, so check the status on the council record before you read too much into one.

Look at what's nearby, not just next door. A neighbour's rear extension matters for light and boundaries; a large development a few streets away can change traffic, parking and the feel of an area for years.

This is a scan, not a legal search. It's for spotting things worth asking about early — your conveyancer's formal local searches are what protect you legally.

A quick example

Viewing a house with a big garden, or a gap site next door? Check planning within a small radius first.

If there's a live application for flats on the plot behind, you'll want to know before you offer — not after. Open the council record, read the officer's report if there is one, and raise it with the agent.

What to check next

Planning tells you how an area might change. Pair it with the rest of the picture before you decide.

Check schools near the postcodeNearest schools with distances and live Ofsted reports.Check crime near the postcodeRecent street-level crime around the area, from the police.Get your free moving checklistEvery task timed to your move date, once the area's decided.

Common questions

Where does the planning data come from?: From PlanIt, which aggregates planning applications published by UK councils on their public registers, under the Open Government Licence. Each result links straight to the official record on the council's own portal.
Why would I check planning applications near a home?: Applications nearby tell you what might change around a property you're considering — a neighbour's extension, a new development, a change of use, or a larger scheme that could affect light, parking, traffic or the character of the street. It's the kind of thing that's easy to miss until after you've moved.
Is this the same as the searches my solicitor does?: No. This is a quick snapshot of recent planning activity nearby to help you spot anything worth asking about. Your conveyancer runs formal local-authority searches (LLC1 and CON29) against the specific property as part of the legal process — this tool complements that, it doesn't replace it.
Can I see the full history of one specific property?: Use the address filter to narrow the recent results to a street or address. For the complete history of a single property — including older applications — open its record on the council register and search by address there.
What types of application does it show?: Everything councils publish — householder work like extensions and loft conversions, new builds, changes of use, listed-building consent and larger developments. Use the type filter to focus on what matters to you.
Does an application mean it will definitely be built?: No. Applications can be approved, refused, withdrawn or amended, and even approved schemes aren't always built. Always check the current status on the council record.
How recent is the data?: It reflects what councils have published to their registers, refreshed regularly via PlanIt. Very new applications can take a little while to show up as each council uploads them.
What radius should I use?: Start small — a tight radius shows immediate neighbours and the same street. Widen it to catch larger developments a few streets away that could still affect traffic, parking or outlook.
Is it free?: Yes. It's free and there's no sign-up.