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Statutory Diligence GuideUpdated October 2026

How to Find Out If a Property Has Planning Permission in the UK?

Statutory Source: Local Land Charges Act 1975 & MHCLG Planning Registers
Direct Statutory Answer (The Short Version)

You can check if a property has planning permission by searching the local council's online planning register using the property address or postcode, reviewing the local authority search (CON29 / LLC1) during conveyancing, or ordering an official copy of the planning history from your Local Planning Authority.

Check Your Property on the Planning Applications Near Me

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The 3 Official Methods to Check Planning History

Before purchasing a property with an extension, conservatory, loft conversion, or outbuilding, you must verify that all structural alterations were granted official planning permission or built under permitted development with building control approval.

If work was carried out unlawfully without permission, the local authority can issue an enforcement notice requiring you, as the new owner, to demolish the extension at your own expense.

Methods for Checking Planning Status
MethodSourceWhat It ShowsCost
Online Council Planning RegisterLocal Planning Authority PortalAll planning applications, decisions, drawings & conditions since ~1990Free
Local Land Charges Search (LLC1 & CON29)Local Authority or HM Land RegistryOfficial legal disclosure of planning history, enforcement notices & tree orders£100 – £250 (standard conveyancing)
Lawful Development Certificate (LDC)Seller / Council RegisterStatutory legal proof that building works are immune from council enforcementFree (to inspect on register)
National Planning Open Dataplanning.data.gov.ukAggregated planning decisions and spatial boundary constraintsFree via our tool

The 4-Year and 10-Year Planning Enforcement Rules

Under English planning law, unauthorized development can become immune from enforcement action after a specified period of time has elapsed without the council taking legal action.

Historically, building operations (such as unapproved extensions) became immune after 4 years. However, under Section 115 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023, the 4-year rule in England has been abolished and replaced with a universal 10-year enforcement period.

Levelling Up Act 2023 Change

In England, unauthorized building works commenced after 25 April 2024 must now be in place continuously for 10 years (up from 4 years) before becoming immune from council enforcement action.

Conveyancing Checklist When Buying an Extended Property

Ensure your conveyancer executes these due diligence checks before exchange of contracts:

Step-by-Step Procedure:
Planning Decision Notice: Verify that full planning permission was formally granted and all pre-commencement conditions discharged.
Building Regulations Completion Certificate: Essential separate proof that structural stability, fire safety, and insulation standards were inspected and signed off.
Absence of Planning Indemnity Insurance: If the seller cannot provide completion certificates for an older extension, require the seller to pay for a restrictive covenant or planning indemnity insurance policy.
Check for Article 4 Directions: Confirm whether the council had revoked permitted development rights before the extension was built.
Topical Knowledge Cluster

Related Questions on Planning & Development

How Do I Find Planning Applications Near Me in the UK?
What Is the Difference Between Permitted Development and Planning Permission?
How Long Does Planning Permission Last in the UK?
Can I Object to a Neighbour's Planning Application in the UK?
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Official Statutory Notice & Guidance:

This guide is compiled for informational due diligence referencing official statutory records from Local Land Charges Act 1975 & MHCLG Planning Registers under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Legal titles and physical structural condition should always be independently inspected by a qualified conveyancing solicitor and chartered RICS surveyor prior to legally binding property commitments.