How to track planning applications across UK councils
Short answer: every UK council publishes its planning applications on its own website. To follow one application, check the council’s planning portal or sign up for its email alerts. To follow many applications across several councils, use a tracking service such as PlanPulse, which reads the planning portals of 358 UK councils and emails you when anything changes.
Two ways to track planning applications
1. The council’s own planning portal
Free. Search the council’s planning portal by address or application reference. Some councils offer email alerts for new applications near an address. Each council runs its own portal, so you check each one separately.
2. PlanPulse: follow the applications you care about, across councils
For planning consultants, architects and agents following dozens of live applications. One dashboard across 358 UK councils, with email alerts for status changes, decisions, new documents and public comments. Every new account starts with a 30-day free trial, no card required.
Start free trialCommon questions
Is there a free way to track a planning application?
Yes. Every council's planning portal is free to search by address or reference, and many councils offer email alerts. You check each council's portal separately.
Can I get an alert when a planning decision is made?
Some council portals offer this. PlanPulse emails you when any application you track changes status, including when the decision is issued.
Which councils does PlanPulse cover?
PlanPulse reads the planning portals of 358 UK councils, and lists every one on its councils page.
How much does PlanPulse cost?
Plans start at £19.99 a month + VAT, and every new account starts with a 30-day free trial, no card required.
See the councils PlanPulse covers and pricing.