How to Find Old Planning Permission

How to Find Old Planning Permission

Whether you are buying a house, selling a property, or planning building work, it is often useful to check past planning permissions. Old permissions can confirm whether extensions, conversions or alterations were approved correctly and whether conditions were attached. They can also provide useful background if you are preparing a new application. Knowing how to find old planning permission ensures you have the right information before making decisions.

Why Old Planning Permissions Matter

Planning permission is a legal requirement for many building projects. If work was carried out without the proper approval, problems can arise when selling a property or applying for new permission. Old permissions can show whether previous owners complied with planning rules and whether any restrictions remain in place. For example, some approvals include conditions limiting future changes, or requirements for specific materials.

Checking the Local Planning Authority

The first place to look for old planning permissions is with the local planning authority. Councils keep a register of all planning applications and decisions, which is available for public inspection. Most councils now provide online planning registers where you can search by address, postcode or application number. These registers usually include decision notices, officer reports and sometimes drawings.

Older applications may not appear on online systems, particularly those from before the early 2000s. In these cases, you can contact the council’s planning department directly. They may provide copies of historic files on request, although there may be a small fee for retrieving archived documents.

Title Deeds and Property Records

Title deeds and property records may also contain references to old planning permissions. When major works are carried out, solicitors often keep copies of permissions and approvals with the property documents. If you purchased your home through a solicitor, they may have retained these records. Similarly, if you are buying a property, the seller’s solicitor should provide evidence of any relevant permissions as part of the conveyancing process.

Land Charges and Local Authority Searches

When a property is sold, solicitors usually carry out a local authority search. This includes information on planning permissions, building regulations approvals and any restrictions affecting the property. If you are looking for evidence of old permissions, a copy of the search results from your solicitor may provide the details you need. For properties purchased some time ago, you can request a new local land charges search from the council.

Building Control Records

Although planning permission and building regulations are separate, records of building control approvals can sometimes provide clues about past projects. For example, if an extension required building regulations approval, the council’s building control department may hold documents that confirm when and how the work was carried out. These records can sometimes be accessed alongside planning files.

When Information Is Missing

In some cases, especially with older properties, it may be difficult to trace planning permission for past works. If records cannot be found, this does not necessarily mean the work was unauthorised. Planning rules have changed over time, and what required permission in the past may differ from today. If you are concerned about whether past work was lawful, you can apply for a certificate of lawfulness from the council, which provides formal confirmation that the development is considered legal due to the passage of time.

Summary

Finding old planning permissions can be important for confirming whether past works were approved and for understanding any restrictions on a property. The best starting point is the online planning register of your local council, followed by direct contact with the planning department for older files. Title deeds, solicitor records, local authority searches and building control files can also provide useful evidence. Where records cannot be located, a certificate of lawfulness may provide peace of mind. Taking the time to track down these documents ensures you have a clear picture of your property’s planning history.