PlanningTrackPlanning guides
Plan home improvements, check permissions, research a property and comment on applications.
Start here · 13 min read
You can find a planning application using its reference, address or postcode. This guide explains where to search, how to check you’ve found the right proposal and what to try if nothing appears.
Understanding planning · 13 min read
Check garage conversion planning rules in England, parking conditions, integral and detached garages, annexes and the building regulations work to plan for.
Understanding planning · 13 min read
Understand loft conversion planning rules in England, including dormers, rooflights, volume allowances, conservation areas and the separate building control checks.
Understanding planning · 13 min read
Understand retrospective planning permission in England, how it differs from a lawful development certificate, enforcement dates and preparing an accurate application.
Understanding planning · 13 min read
Check garden room planning rules in England, including height near boundaries, permitted uses, garden coverage, working from home and separate accommodation.
Understanding planning · 14 min read
Understand permitted development extension rules in England, including rear and side limits, larger home extensions, original walls and common design traps.
Understanding planning · 14 min read
Find out what an Article 4 direction means in England, how to read council maps and notices, and what to check for home alterations or an HMO conversion.
Understanding planning · 13 min read
Check when planning permission expires in England, what starting work means, how outline approvals differ and which documents to review before buying or building.
Understanding planning · 14 min read
Understand existing and proposed lawful development certificates in England, the evidence to prepare, application costs and checks before buying or building.
Property research · 13 min read
Understand planning approval rates with an interactive calculator, worked examples and comparison table. Check sample sizes, outcomes and coverage before comparing.
Understanding planning · 13 min read
Read your planning approval, track discharge of conditions and organise approved drawings. Use a condition table and worked project example before starting work.
Understanding planning · 13 min read
Read planning drawings, floor plans, elevations and sections. Use labelled diagrams, a drawing comparison table and revision checks to understand a proposal.
Understanding planning · 13 min read
Compare permitted development, planning permission and lawful development certificates in England. Check property facts, restrictions and evidence before building.
Property research · 13 min read
Check a property’s planning history before buying. Search old addresses, compare approved plans, follow conditions and prepare clear questions for your advisers.
Understanding planning · 13 min read
Understand pending consideration, approved, refused and withdrawn planning applications. Compare status labels and find the documents explaining each outcome.
Understanding planning · 13 min read
Understand planning permission timescales, validation, decision dates and extensions of time. Use a worked timeline and checklist to track your application.
Understanding planning · 13 min read
Write a useful planning objection or supporting comment. Check relevant reasons, evidence, drawing revisions and a worked letter example before submitting.
Understanding planning · 13 min read
Understand planning application documents, officer reports and decision notices. Use a reading checklist, document table and worked example to inspect a case.
Finding applications · 13 min read
Find planning applications by reference, address, postcode or map. Follow a worked search, compare council records and save a reliable planning research log.
PlanningTrack publishes these guides with links to official guidance and examples of planning documents. Each guide states which UK nation it covers. For a specific application, check current details on its council register.
