Resource GuideTrack Planning Applications Near You
Wondering what's being built in your neighbourhood? Here's how to find, monitor, and receive notifications about planning applications anywhere in the UK.
5 ways to monitor planning in your area
From official council portals to community meetings, here are the best ways to stay informed about what's being proposed near you.
Your Local Council Website
Every local planning authority in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland publishes a searchable register of planning applications on their website. You can search by postcode, address, or application reference.
How to do it
- 1Find your council's planning portal (search "[your council name] planning applications")
- 2Search by your postcode or a nearby address
- 3Most councils let you sign up for weekly email alerts for applications within a set radius
- 4You can view documents, plans, and submit comments directly
Tip: This is the most reliable and official source. Consultation periods are typically 21 days, so set up alerts to avoid missing your chance to comment.
Planning Portal (planningportal.co.uk)
The UK Government's Planning Portal is the national hub for planning information in England and Wales. It links directly to local authority systems and provides a central search tool.
How to do it
- 1Visit planningportal.co.uk
- 2Use the "Find and comment on planning applications" tool
- 3Enter a postcode or address to see nearby applications
- 4Follow links to the relevant council portal for full details and to submit comments
Tip: Great starting point if you're not sure which council covers your area.
Email Alert Services
Several free and paid services aggregate planning data from councils across the UK and send you automatic email notifications when new applications are submitted near a location you choose.
How to do it
- 1Sign up with a service like PlanningAlerts.org or similar aggregators
- 2Enter the postcode or area you want to monitor
- 3Choose your alert radius (e.g. 500m, 1km)
- 4Receive email notifications whenever a new application appears
Tip: These services pull data from council feeds, so there can be a short delay. Always double-check details on the council's own portal.
Site Notices & Neighbour Letters
For certain types of applications, councils are required to display a site notice (a laminated poster on or near the site) and/or send letters to neighbouring properties.
How to do it
- 1Keep an eye out for yellow or white planning notices posted on lamp posts, fences, or buildings near you
- 2The notice will include the application reference, a brief description, and the deadline for comments
- 3Check your post — you may receive a formal neighbour notification letter from the council
- 4Use the reference number to look up full details on the council website
Tip: Site notices are legally required for major applications, listed building works, and applications affecting conservation areas. If you spot one, act quickly — deadlines are strict.
Parish & Community Councils
Your local parish or town council is a statutory consultee on planning applications. They often publish lists of applications on their own websites or discuss them at public meetings.
How to do it
- 1Find your parish or town council website
- 2Check their planning committee agendas and minutes
- 3Attend public meetings where planning applications are discussed
- 4Some parish councils run their own email alert lists for residents
Tip: Parish councils can submit objections or support on behalf of the community. Attending meetings is a great way to have your voice heard.
Make your voice count
Tracking applications is only half the battle. Here's how to respond effectively when you find something that affects you.
Know Your Consultation Window
Most planning applications have a 21-day consultation period from the date the council publishes the application. After this window closes, the council is not obliged to consider late comments — so act quickly.
Focus on Material Planning Considerations
When commenting on an application, stick to material planning considerations: impact on privacy, overlooking, loss of light, traffic and parking, noise, design and character of the area, flood risk, and impact on listed buildings or conservation areas. Personal grievances, property values, and boundary disputes are not material considerations.
Check for Permitted Development
Not all building work needs planning permission. Many smaller projects fall under 'permitted development' rights and won't appear on the planning register. Use our Permission Checker tool on the homepage to get an instant indication.
Look at the Full Documents
Don't just read the description — look at the actual plans, Design & Access Statement, and any supporting reports. The devil is often in the detail, and the description alone can be misleading.
Engage Your Parish Council
Parish and town councils are statutory consultees and carry weight with planning officers. If you have concerns, raise them with your parish council as well as commenting directly to the local authority.
Keep Records
If you submit a comment or objection, keep a copy. Note the application reference number, the date you submitted, and what you said. This is important if the application goes to appeal.
Found an application you're concerned about?
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Whether you're a homeowner, parish council, community group, or fellow professional — we're here to help you navigate the planning system with confidence.