Planning Data Guides
Tutorials, comparisons, and how-to articles for developers building with UK planning data.
UK Planning API Comparison: PlanWire vs Glenigan vs Barbour ABI vs Searchland
A detailed breakdown of every commercial UK planning data API — pricing, developer experience, data coverage, and which to choose for your use case.
Building a UK Planning Application Alert System with Webhooks
Step-by-step: set up webhook delivery so your app gets a POST request the moment a new planning application matches your criteria.
Free UK Planning Data in 2025 — What's Actually Available
Every legitimate source of free UK planning application data, what you can and can't do with it, and when you need a proper API.
Planning Applications Now Include Flood Risk and Sold Prices
Every application now returns EA flood zone data and Land Registry sold prices in the same API response. One call, three data sources, no extra integration work.
How to Search UK Planning Applications by Postcode
Geocode a postcode and run a radius search against live planning data. Code examples in JavaScript and Python.
Building PropTech Products with UK Planning Data
The 6 most common proptech use cases for UK planning data, key API patterns, and how to get started without an enterprise contract.
How to Monitor a Competitor's Planning Applications with a Cron Job
Track every planning application from a specific developer, agent, or in a target area — automatically, with a small script and a daily cron schedule.
UK Planning Application Status Codes Explained
Every status a UK planning application can have — Pending, Approved, Refused, Appeal Allowed, Prior Approval Not Required, and more — explained in plain English.
How Estate Agents Are Using Planning Data to Win More Valuations
Planning applications reveal homeowners thinking about their property's value — months before any for-sale board. Here's how agents are turning that signal into instructions.
Planning Application Data for Solar & EV Charge Point Surveyors
From establishing constraints pre-survey to benchmarking council approval rates for renewables — how planning data speeds up solar and EV installation pipelines.
How Long Does a UK Planning Application Take? (And How to Track It via API)
Statutory timescales are 8 weeks for most applications — but in practice many take far longer. What causes delays and how to get notified the moment a decision is issued.
What Is a Prior Approval Application? A Developer's Guide
Prior approval unlocks office-to-residential conversions, agricultural barn conversions, and large extensions without full planning permission. Classes MA, Q, AA, and more explained.