We keep online records of historic planning applications in our district from 1996 to the present day. We also have a large archive of documents which are not digitised, which we can make available on request. Viewing what development has been permitted or refused in your area can be an excellent way of helping you to prepare for making a planning application of your own. You may also find it useful to view historic planning applications to a property or its immediate environment, if you are considering making a home purchase.
How to search our database
Unsurprisingly, the database is extremely large, especially in densely populated areas with high numbers of listed properties, such as Bath. If you know which property you wish to view, the quickest way to locate previous planning applications is to use our interactive map. Just scroll and zoom in to locate the property you are interested in. Click on an individual pinpoint icon to learn more details about applications at that address.
View historic applications on a map
If you would prefer to search via a planning application number, postcode, address or specific dates and compare a list of results, use our planning application search tool. You can filter the results, using the Advanced Search tab. This tool also has a map, and you can choose to view historic applications only, current only, or both.
Search all applications online
If you are preparing a planning application
You may also want to search for local planning policies which apply to your area. You can view these on a map.
We recommend using a planning agent to help you to submit your application. We also offer a wide range of pre-application advice services, which can identify potential problems and which policies may apply to your development, making the whole process quicker and smoother.
How to view records from before 1996
We hold records of applications prior to 1996 as paper copies in our archives. We can provide copies of these historic documents, but you will need to request them.
When we receive your request, we will review it within five working days. We aim to upload historic planning files to the website within ten working days. We will respond to you by email, providing a link which you can use to access the planning file. Some large archive paper files can take longer to upload. We will let you know if this is the case. We may send you individual PDFs of Decision Notices and Section 106 (Planning obligations) Agreements.