How to Check Planning History on a Property

Why Planning History Matters

A property's planning history is a factual record of every planning application made to the local planning authority (LPA) relating to that address. It includes granted permissions, refused applications, certificates of lawful development, listed building consents, and enforcement notices.

Checking planning history before buying a property can reveal:

• Whether an extension, outbuilding, or conversion was built with permission or under permitted development
• Any refused applications that indicate what the LPA will and won't allow
• Planning conditions attached to past consents that may affect your use of the property
• Enforcement notices for unauthorised development
• Permitted development certificates that confirm lawful completion of works

How to Search Planning History Online

Planning Portal and Local Authority Websites

Every LPA in England has a public-facing planning register that is searchable online. Most can be accessed directly through the local council's website under "Planning" or "Development Management". You search by address or reference number.

The national **Planning Portal** (planningportal.gov.uk) signposts you to the relevant local authority search tool.

In Wales, planning applications are accessible via individual LPA websites and the Welsh Government's planning application platform.

What You Will Find

Public planning registers typically show:

• Application reference numbers and dates
• Type of application (householder, full, outline, certificate of lawfulness, prior approval)
• Decision (granted, refused, withdrawn, delegated, committee)
• Decision date and any conditions
• Application documents (including drawings and supporting statements)
• Appeal decisions if the original refusal was appealed

What Isn't Shown

Older records (pre-1990s) may not be digitised and may require a manual request to the LPA's planning department. Work carried out under permitted development (i.e. not requiring planning permission) will generally not appear on the planning register unless a Lawful Development Certificate was sought.

Checking for Enforcement Notices

Planning enforcement notices are also recorded on the LPA's register. An enforcement notice requires the owner to remedy a breach of planning control (e.g. remove an unauthorised structure). These are a material fact that sellers are required to disclose on the TA6 Property Information Form.

If you suspect work has been carried out without permission, a solicitor can raise an enquiry with the seller's solicitor to confirm the position or obtain indemnity insurance.

Planning History in Your Conveyancing Search

A standard **local authority search (LLC1 and Con29)** conducted during conveyancing will reveal:

• Enforcement notices and stop notices registered against the property
• Tree preservation orders
• Conservation area designation
• Listed building status
• Proposed road schemes affecting the property
• Financial charges registered against the property

This is distinct from the online planning register and is an official search from the LPA, so the results are backed by official records.

Using Property Passport UK for Planning Data

Property Passport UK aggregates publicly available property records including planning data, allowing buyers to review a property's planning context before instructing solicitors. This helps identify questions to raise early, saving time and legal costs in the conveyancing process.