PropeteerProperty intelligence

Planning guide

How to read a planning decision notice

Start with the decision and application description, then verify the approved plan numbers and read every condition and reason. For a refusal, read each reason and the policies cited; for an approval, identify requirements before commencement or occupation.

Written and reviewed by Propeteer Research TeamPublished Reviewed

At a glance

Key facts

Identity check
Reference, address and proposal description
Approved scheme
Defined by the listed drawings and documents
Delivery risk
Pre-commencement conditions

A reliable process

How to approach the question.

  1. 01Verify that the notice belongs to the correct application and address.
  2. 02Read the operative decision and proposal description.
  3. 03Match the approved document schedule to the drawings.
  4. 04Classify conditions by timing, practical effect and whether later discharge is required.

Worked example

Approval for an extension

If the notice approves drawing revision C but the portal thumbnail shows revision A, revision C controls. Any value or buildability assessment should use the approved scheme, not the first plan found.

What this does not prove

  • A notice may be superseded by an amendment, appeal or later permission.
  • Informatives are not the same as planning conditions.
  • Legal interpretation should be left to an appropriately qualified adviser.

Method used

  • Confirm the subject property and distinguish applications at the address from wider local context.
  • Classify proposal type and outcome consistently, keeping pending, withdrawn and approved-with-conditions cases separate.
  • Give more weight to recent, similar and well-documented decisions; retain contradictory evidence rather than hiding it.

Primary sources and official guidance

Local planning authority registersUK local planning authoritiesNational Planning Practice GuidanceDepartment for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Source scope, licensing, refresh expectations and known limitations are listed in the public data-source register.

Related guides

What “approved with conditions” means

Understand planning conditions, pre-commencement requirements, approved drawings and why a conditional approval is not an unrestricted green light.

Which planning-application documents matter

Prioritise decision notices, officer reports, drawings, design statements and specialist reports when researching a planning application.

Apply this guide

Start with the exact UK address.

Research a property