Blog
Guides and articles about UK planning constraints.
7 Free Open Data Sources to Check Planning Constraints in England
A guide to the best free government open data sources for checking planning constraints on any site in England — and how to search them all at once.
6 Government Websites Every Property Developer Should Bookmark
The essential free government data websites for checking planning constraints, environmental designations, flood risk, and heritage status on development sites in England.
10 Things Open Planning Data Can Tell You Before You Buy a Property
What free government open data can reveal about a property before you make an offer — from flood risk and heritage designations to green belt and ecological constraints.
8 Planning Constraints That Could Block Your Extension
The most common planning constraints that affect home extensions in England — what each one means, and how to check whether they apply to your property using free open data.
5 Planning Constraints You Can Check Online for Free Right Now
The five most common planning constraints that affect property in England and how to check each one using free open data tools — no sign-up required.
How to Find Planning Constraints for Any UK Property
A step-by-step guide to checking planning constraints before buying land, submitting a planning application, or starting a development project in England.
What is a Conservation Area? A Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about conservation areas in England — what they are, how they affect planning permission, permitted development rights, and what you can and can't do.
Flood Zones Explained: Zones 1, 2, and 3 in the UK
Understand the difference between Flood Zone 1, 2, and 3 in England, how they affect planning permission, insurance, and what a flood risk assessment involves.
Listed Building Grades: What I, II*, and II Mean for Planning
A guide to the three grades of listed buildings in England — Grade I, Grade II*, and Grade II — what the grades mean, and how listing affects what you can do with a property.
Green Belt Land: What It Means for Planning Permission
What is green belt land, how does it affect planning permission, and what are the exceptions? A practical guide to the green belt policy in England.
How to Check If a Property Is in a Conservation Area
Three quick ways to find out whether a house or piece of land falls within a conservation area in England, and what it means for your plans.
How to Find Out If Your House Is in a Flood Zone
Three ways to check whether your property is in Flood Zone 2 or 3, what the flood zones mean, and how it affects insurance, mortgages and planning.
How to Check If a Building Is Listed
Three ways to find out whether a house or building is listed, what the grades mean, and what you need to know before making any changes.
How to Find Out If Land Is Green Belt
Three ways to check whether a property or piece of land is in the green belt, and what the designation means for development and planning permission.
How to Check for Tree Preservation Orders on Your Property
Three ways to find out whether any trees on or near your property are protected by a Tree Preservation Order, and what that means for garden work.
How to Find Out If You're in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Three ways to check whether your property is in an AONB (now called a National Landscape), and how the designation affects planning permission and development.
How to Check If Your Property Has an Article 4 Direction
Three ways to find out whether an Article 4 direction applies to your property, what rights it removes, and what it means for home improvements.
How to Find Out If You Live Near a Scheduled Monument
Three ways to check for scheduled monuments near your property, what scheduling means, and how it affects development in the surrounding area.
How to Check If Your Property Is Near a Site of Special Scientific Interest
Three ways to find out whether a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is near your property, and what it means for planning and land management.
How to Find Planning Constraints Before Buying a House
A practical guide to checking planning constraints before you buy a property, so you know exactly what restrictions apply and avoid costly surprises.