Free tool · Powered by the Planning constraints API
Planning constraints checker
Enter a postcode to see known listed buildings, conservation areas, Article 4 direction areas and tree preservation zones within 100 metres, and whether the postcode point sits inside one.
Searches 100 metres around the postcode's central point. England only.
What each constraint means
Listed buildings
A listed building is on the national list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest, at Grade I, Grade II* or Grade II. Most work that affects its character, inside or out, needs listed building consent from the council as well as any planning permission.
Conservation areas
Councils designate conservation areas to protect the character of a place. Inside one, some permitted development rights are reduced, demolition can need permission, and work to trees usually has to be notified to the council in advance.
Article 4 directions
An Article 4 direction removes specific permitted development rights in an area. Common examples cover changes to front elevations, or turning a family house into a small house in multiple occupation. The direction states which rights it removes, so check the council's notice.
Tree preservation zones
These are areas where trees are protected by a tree preservation order. Cutting down, topping or lopping a protected tree usually needs the council's consent first.
Where the data comes from
Results come from planning.data.gov.uk, the national planning data platform, under the Open Government Licence. Listed buildings come from Historic England records. Conservation areas, Article 4 directions and tree preservation zones are supplied by individual local planning authorities, and not every council has published its data yet.
That means a result confirms a known constraint, but an empty result does not prove that no constraint applies. Listed buildings are mapped as a point, so the record may sit a few metres from the building itself. Before buying or starting work, confirm with the local planning authority or through your conveyancer's local search.
Using this data in your own product
The Planning constraints API returns the same records as JSON, with a radius of up to 2,000 metres, a choice of datasets, and optional boundary geometry for mapping.
Frequently asked questions
Is this planning constraints checker free?
Yes. You can check postcodes for free with a fixed 100 metre radius. For a wider radius, boundary geometry or checks inside your own software, use the Planning constraints API with an API key.
Does "Covers the postcode point" mean my property is affected?
Not always. We check the central point of the postcode, and a postcode can include several streets. A conservation area or Article 4 area may cover part of the postcode but not your property, or the other way round. Check the council's map to be sure.
If nothing is found, does that mean there are no constraints?
No. Conservation areas, Article 4 directions and tree preservation zones are published by individual councils, and not every council has published its data yet. An empty result means nothing was found in the available data.
Which areas does it cover?
England. The data comes from planning.data.gov.uk, which covers English planning authorities. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland keep their own records.
How do I find out if a single tree is protected?
This checker shows tree preservation zones where councils have published them. Individual protected trees may not appear, so ask the council's tree officer or check its tree preservation order register.
Free lookups are limited per visitor to keep the service fast for everyone. For bulk or automated use, use the API.