Local planning authority web pages allow you to search for past and current planning applications. To do this, you will ideally know the planning application number. There is no standard format for these, and so the exact sequence of numbers and letters used varies between authorities. For example, an application number might look something like this: APP/2025/20986/FUL or this: LBC/3472/2025.
If you do not know an application number, you will also have the options of searching by a full or partial address or by a ward or part of an authority’s area. If you don’t know the local authority but have a postcode, you can search the register of planning decisions to help you find an application.
Many authorities also allow you to use online mapping to find applications in addition to the ‘standard’ method using a reference number/address. Additionally, authorities often publish weekly lists of applications recently received – which might also help you to find a particular development proposal.
Due to data protection legislation, you may need to accept the terms of a licence agreement on some websites before you can view information on planning applications. Some websites allow you to track applications, but you might need to formally register to do this.
Information about current applications (and associated appeals)
Information available on the planning register will normally cover:
- site location – usually the address and sometimes also an OS grid reference
- details of the applicant
- details of any agent acting for them (e.g. a planning consultant, architect or surveyor)
- details of the case officer dealing with the application at the authority
- details of progress for an application – the date it was received, formally registered by the authority as a current application, dates of consultations carried out and the target date for a decision by the authority
- description of the proposed development or change of use
- accompanying location plan
- detailed drawings showing the proposals
- any accompanying report explaining the proposed development (often known as a “design and access statement”)
- comments received from consultees – e.g. from other authorities, from officers within the local authority and from local organisations such as a town or parish councils and from neighbouring / adjacent properties
Commenting on an application
If you wish to comment on an application, perhaps to support or object, there will be a link to a web page to allow you to do that. Be aware that any comments you make will be published, being made available on the council’s website as part of a list of consultees’ responses. For more information see How do I comment on a planning application?
Find out about past applications
Local authority web pages also allow you to find out about applications that have already been determined. Information might include:
- the date a decision was taken
- if permitted, details of any conditions attached to a planning permission
- if refused, details of the reasons for that decision
- details of any appeal lodged following a refusal