Planning Portal
Launched in 2002, the Planning Portal is a one-stop-shop for advice and guidance on planning applications, building regulations and planning appeals in England and Wales. It is intended to ensure that the planning system can be swiftly and efficiently navigated.
The Planning Portal is the official electronic source of building regulations approved documents, it facilitates the electronic submission of planning applications to local authorities and is the only route for the electronic submission of planning appeals. It hosts large quantities of data on the construction industry and future developments and supplies answers, services and information to home owners, businesses, planning professionals and government officials.
The benefits of applying online include:
- You can work on your applications in draft before submission.
- Immediate delivery and acknowledgement.
- Savings on postage and printing costs.
- Online help function when completing applications.
- Online record of your completed applications.
The Planning Portal has a great deal of information covering a wide range of common household projects. The guidance covers both planning permission and building regulations rules:
- Extensions.
- Conservatories.
- Garage conversions.
- Outbuildings.
- Loft conversion.
- Wind turbines.
- Windows.
- Patio and driveways.
- Porches.
- Planning appeal.
Contents |
[edit] Planning Portal update 2023
Planning Portal launched its new location plan feature, a process change for applicants when creating and submitting applications. From a practical point of view, the portal are keen members and affiliates are aware as it will be a process change and the new service will be an integrated feature when making applications.
The new location plan service allows applicants to easily draw the application site ‘red line’ boundary on a map, after finding the site address using the postcode search (or the location by entering a grid reference). Alternatively, the applicant can upload a GeoJSON file. This new service can be used as an alternative to purchasing a location plan elsewhere, offering an easy, integrated solution.
For further information see article Planning portal location plan feature update 2023
[edit] Planning portal background
The Planning Portal was originally delivered by the Department of Communities and Local Government. Its team included civil servants, private sector specialists, consultants, IT experts and creative staff.
However, in 2013, the government announced that it would be seeking bids to help identify future models for running the Planning Portal, suggesting that it had always envisaged ‘…that the portal would reach a stage where it would function more effectively outside government’.
The Planning Portal opened to investment offers in June 2014 (ref gov.uk). Planning Minister Nick Boles said: 'There is huge potential to take the Planning Portal to the next level and create services that will benefit businesses and homeowners. We have built a business that is well run and has a strong brand but now is the time for a firm to take it forward to fulfil its full potential.'
On 19 January 2015, Housing and Planning Minister Brandon Lewis confirmed that business support company TerraQuest was the preferred bidder to take over the running of the Planning Portal. Ref DCLG New partner appointed to run the Planning Portal. Geoff Keal, Managing Director of TerraQuest, said: "We are thrilled to have been identified as DCLG’s preferred Joint Venture partner in relation to the Planning Portal, and are very excited about taking the Portal to the next level."
The Planning Portal transferred to a private sector, joint venture between DCLG and TerraQuest in March 2015. Ref Planning Portal, Business as usual, 13 March 2015.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Manual to the Building Regulations.
- National planning policy framework.
- National Planning Practice Guidance.
- Planning authority.
- Planning permission.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.