How to Find Old Planning Permission

Whether you are buying a property, preparing a new planning application, or simply trying to understand what work has been done to a building in the past, accessing old planning permission records can be extremely useful. These records provide detailed insights into previous developments, extensions, changes of use, or refusals, and can help support your own proposals or alert you to historic restrictions.

In the UK, planning permission documents are held and managed by the local planning authority. In most cases, these records are part of the public domain and can be viewed by anyone, although the level of detail and ease of access can vary depending on the council, the age of the records, and how far back you want to go.

Why You Might Need Old Planning Records

There are several reasons why individuals and professionals seek access to historic planning permissions. If you are buying a house, especially one that has been extended or altered, you may want to check whether the work was approved and completed in accordance with planning and building control. For architects and planning consultants, previous permissions can help shape a new proposal by showing what has already been accepted or refused. Developers may use historical applications to assess the development potential of a site, while neighbours might review past decisions to support an objection or appeal.

In some cases, mortgage lenders or solicitors may require evidence that planning permission was granted for certain works before finalising a property sale.

Where Planning Permission Records Are Held

Planning records are managed by the local planning authority—usually the district or borough council in charge of the area where the property is located. Each authority maintains its own planning register, which includes all applications submitted, whether approved, refused, withdrawn, or appealed.

Most councils now publish planning application data online through their planning portal or public access system. These portals usually allow you to search for applications using the property address, planning reference number, or a map-based search. You can view documents such as the application form, site plans, decision notice, officer reports, and sometimes objections or consultation responses.

Online records often go back 10 to 15 years, though this varies. For older applications, particularly those before the early 2000s, you may need to make a formal request or visit the council’s offices in person to access archived files, which may be stored on microfiche or in paper format.

How to Search Online

To begin your search, visit the planning section of your local council’s website. Use their planning application search tool and enter the address of the property or surrounding street name. If the address has changed over time or the property is part of a larger development, using a postcode or map view can be helpful.

You can filter results by date or status to narrow down what you are looking for. Clicking on individual applications will usually bring up details including the application type, description of works, decision status, dates, and a list of documents available to download. For recently built properties or large developments, multiple applications may exist—including amendments, conditions, and discharge of conditions.

If you know the planning reference number (often found on old paperwork or in estate agent records), entering this directly into the search bar is the quickest way to locate the file.

Requesting Historic Planning Files

If the application is too old to appear online, or if some documents are missing from the portal, you can request them from the planning department. Most councils allow you to make a request by email or online form. Provide as much detail as possible, including the property address, approximate dates, and the type of development.

Access to older planning files is usually free, but there may be a small charge for copying or scanning documents. Councils may ask for a few days to retrieve files, especially if they are stored off-site.

In some areas, the planning register is also available to view at the local planning reception or town hall, where staff can assist you with older records. If the site has a long or complex planning history, planning consultants or legal advisers often carry out more formal planning history searches on behalf of clients.

Using the Planning Register for Legal or Planning Purposes

Finding past planning permissions can help determine whether a development was lawful and properly authorised. You may find that a structure built several years ago never received planning approval, in which case the current owner may need to apply for a certificate of lawfulness to confirm its legal status.

If you are preparing your own application, referencing past permissions in your planning statement can be beneficial. It shows precedent and provides a context for your proposal, especially if you are applying for similar works. However, it is important to remember that planning policy evolves, and what was approved in the past may not be acceptable today.

Old planning records are also useful when reviewing conditions that were attached to permissions. Conditions may relate to access, landscaping, use of materials, or time limits, and understanding them is important when considering extensions, conversions or change of use.

Example in Practice

A couple purchasing a 1930s semi-detached house in Oxford wanted to know whether a rear extension and loft dormer had been built with planning permission. Using the council’s planning portal, they found two historic applications one from 2005 for the rear extension and one from 2012 for the dormer. Both had been approved and included PDF copies of the plans and decision notices. Their solicitor included these in the purchase file, confirming that all alterations had been authorised. This simple search gave the buyers peace of mind and avoided future legal or planning issues.

Conclusion

Finding old planning permission is a straightforward but valuable step when buying, selling, extending or developing property. Local planning authority portals are the best place to start, offering access to years of applications and supporting documents. For older records, contacting the council directly can often uncover useful archived files. Whether for due diligence or development research, understanding a site’s planning history is key to making informed property decisions.