The historic search function goes back to 1948. Older planning applications were recorded on large maps with sites outlined in red, these then have numbers written on them, these are known as site numbers. This recording system resulted in some site numbers covering potentially large estates (with several revisions) and any following applications on specific houses. Therefore some site numbers cover more than one property, and some properties have more than one site number.
Decision register address search
Use part of the address of the property (or an address nearby where the site doesn’t have an address) to search. Then select the property you are interested in – if the site doesn’t come up click a close by one (you can adjust the map later).
You should now have an old map in front of you with red outlines on it (if the page is yellow use one of the inset maps). Write down the relevant numbers.
Tips:
- You may need to scroll out to see the wider site area (possible at the bottom of the map)
- There may be more than one reference number which is relevant
- There may be an outline around your house then a larger one around the estate, both could be relevant
- If the property was built prior to 1948 there may be no planning history
Decision register site reference number
Decision notices can be viewed online (plans would need to be viewed in the council offices or requested by email).
For most applications enter the site number in the ‘search reference number’ box. These will direct you to a pdf document. This document contains a range of decision notices sorted by site reference number (not only the ones relevant to your search). Scroll down the page looking in the top right hand corner for the site number relevant to the site. It is possible to use a find function (Ctrl + f) to assist, however due to the age of some of the notices a manual search is also advised.
There are a few application types that were historically recorded differently. These include Listed Building Applications (annotated on the maps by LBC), Conservation Area Consent applications (annotated on the maps by CAC) and Advertisement Consent applications (annotated in green on the maps).