Find Cardiff Planning Records Before You Comment or Apply
Use this guide to search Cardiff planning applications, use the Cardiff planning portal map route, log in to comment or track, check planning permission, read plans and avoid avoidable validation delays.
The Cardiff Council portal is for existing records and comments. Planning Portal Wales is for starting most new applications, and SuDS approval can be a separate Cardiff SAB requirement before construction begins.
Quick answer: use Cardiff Council’s online planning system to view planning applications, decisions, documents and comments. Viewing does not require registration, but you must create an account if you want to submit a comment, track an application, save a search or receive email updates.
Use the simple search when you have a postcode, one address line, keyword or all/part of the reference number. Use advanced search when you need date ranges, applicant name, status or Cardiff ward. Use Planning Portal Wales for a new application, not for reading local comments on an existing case.
Choose the Correct Cardiff Council Portal Route
The phrase “Cardiff planning portal” can mean search, map, login, comments, planning permission or a new application. Use the route below so you do not open the wrong system.
Search Cardiff planning applications
Use Cardiff’s online planning system for existing applications, decisions, plans, comments, related documents and case updates.
Use Cardiff planning applications map
Use map search or Cardiff Online Maps when the address is unclear, the site is a land parcel, or you need listed-building and location context.
Use Cardiff planning portal login
Register or sign in when you want to comment, track one application, save a search or get email alerts for a street or area.
Check Cardiff planning permission
Before applying, check whether permission is needed for extensions, change of use, demolition, listed buildings, conservation areas, trees or agricultural buildings.
Start a new application
Use Cardiff’s “Making a planning application” page and Planning Portal Wales. The local search register is not the upload route for a fresh application.
Check SuDS/SAB separately
Planning permission and sustainable drainage approval are not the same. Some Cardiff projects need both before construction can begin.
Cardiff Planning Portal Login: When You Need an Account
You can browse Cardiff planning applications without logging in. Login matters when you want to interact with the record or receive alerts.
| Task | Login needed? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| View Cardiff planning applications | No | Open the planning system and search by reference, postcode, address, keyword, ward or street list. |
| Submit a comment | Yes | Create an account, confirm the email link, sign in, open the case and use the Comments tab. |
| Track one application | Yes | Open the case and use the Track tab. Updates should appear under Tracked Applications in your profile. |
| Save a search | Yes | Run a street, postcode, ward or keyword search, then save it and choose email alerts. |
| Apply for planning permission | Different account | Use Planning Portal Wales for new online submissions and Cardiff Council for local requirements. |
Cardiff Planning Portal Search: Use This Order
A clean search works better than a pasted neighbour letter. Start narrow, then widen only if Cardiff’s system returns no useful result.
Start with the application reference
Use the reference from the site notice, neighbour letter, public notice, committee page, agent email, weekly list or decision notice.
Use simple search for basic details
Simple search can use a postcode, one address line, keyword or all/part of a reference number. Keep the search short.
Use the wildcard for partial references
If you only know part of the reference, use the percentage symbol. Example: 12/1234%.
Use advanced search for filters
Advanced search is better for relevant dates, applicant name, application status, Cardiff ward and more detailed filtering.
Use A to Z Street Search for street-level checking
This is helpful where a site has flats, a building name, a corner plot, several addresses or a street with many applications.
Cardiff Planning Portal Map and Online Maps
Use the map when you know the location but not the reference. Use Cardiff Online Maps when you need planning context such as listed buildings, conservation areas, site surroundings or land-location clues.
When the planning applications map helps
- You know the site but not the reference number.
- The property is a land parcel, estate, school, park or corner plot.
- The address search gives too many results.
- You want nearby applications on the same street.
- You want to check whether the result is actually the right site.
How to use map results safely
- Open the full case record before relying on the map pin.
- Check the red-line location plan, not only the map marker.
- Compare the address, proposal description and latest documents.
- Use Online Maps for context, not as legal boundary proof.
- Check listed-building and conservation information before buying or building.
Cardiff Planning Reference Number and Wildcard Tips
Cardiff gives an example planning reference format like 12/12345/ABC. Use the exact reference where possible because it is the quickest way to reach the correct record.
| What you have | Search method | Micro-tip |
|---|---|---|
| Full reference number | Paste the full reference only. | Remove extra words like “Planning ref:” or punctuation from a notice. |
| Partial reference | Use `%` wildcard. | Try the year and first digits, such as 24/1234%. |
| Neighbour letter | Use the reference and closing date from the letter. | Still check the online record for revised documents. |
| Address only | Use one address line or postcode. | Remove flat/unit numbers if the first search fails. |
| Only local knowledge | Use map, ward, keyword or street list. | Search words like dormer, HMO, change of use, signage, tree, demolition or extension. |
Read These Documents Before You Comment, Buy or Build
Cardiff’s online search can show related documents, outlines, pictures and plans. The short proposal text is not enough.
Location plan
Check the red line, blue line, access, site boundary, immediate surroundings and whether the map matches the address.
Existing and proposed drawings
Compare plan numbers, scale, elevations, floor plans, roof plans, sections, levels, materials and revision dates.
Technical reports
Look for heritage, trees, transport, drainage, flood risk, ecology, noise, contamination, air quality, fire, design or access statements.
Comments tab
Online comments appear under the Comments tab. Some scanned or emailed material may appear under the documents area.
Decision notice
Read conditions, approved drawing numbers, refusal reasons, time limits and any details that must be approved before work starts.
SuDS/SAB documents
For qualifying projects, drainage approval can affect layout, construction timing and whether work can legally begin.
Comment, Object or Support on a Cardiff Planning Application
Anyone can comment on a Cardiff planning application. It is free, and you do not need to have received a letter. Your comment will be public, so keep it planning-focused and avoid private personal details.
Find the application and closing date
Search the Cardiff planning portal, open the first details tab and check the closing date. Letters and site notices may also show the deadline.
Log in and use the Comments tab
Create an account or sign in, open the application and submit your comment through the Comments tab.
Use planning matters
Focus on design, height, privacy, daylight, access, parking, traffic, trees, heritage, drainage, noise, land use, public safety or planning policy.
Use post only if needed
For postal comments, include the reference number and send to Room 250, County Hall, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff, CF10 4UW.
| Useful planning points | Weak or non-planning points |
|---|---|
| Design, scale, massing, layout, materials and street scene. | Loss of property value. |
| Privacy, overlooking, daylight, noise and living conditions. | Personal criticism of the applicant or neighbour. |
| Access, highway safety, parking, cycle storage and servicing. | Private boundary, lease, covenant or party wall disputes. |
| Listed buildings, conservation areas, trees and archaeology. | Speculation without evidence or copied comments with no local detail. |
| Flood risk, SuDS, drainage, contamination and environmental impact. | General dislike of development without policy or site reasons. |
Cardiff Planning Committee, Petitions and Speaking Rights
Many Cardiff applications are decided by officers under delegated powers. If the application cannot be dealt with that way, the Planning Committee may debate it.
Check expected decision level
Open the application details tab and look for committee or decision-level information. Committee cases need close deadline checking.
Petition and speaking route
If a petition route is being considered, contact the named officer quickly and check Cardiff’s latest committee procedure and timing rules before relying on speaking rights.
Cardiff Planning Permission Search: Check Before Applying
Cardiff planning permission may be needed for building work, extensions, changes of use, engineering works, demolition, listed building changes, conservation area work, protected trees and some agricultural buildings.
Householder work
Extensions, outbuildings, porches, roof changes, hardstanding, access changes and walls may be permitted in some cases, but constraints can change the answer.
Listed buildings and conservation areas
Listed building consent may be needed for demolition, alteration or extension affecting character, including associated structures and boundary walls.
Lawful Development Certificate
Use an LDC when you need formal proof that existing or proposed use or development is lawful, especially for sale or lending evidence.
Apply Through Planning Portal Wales for Cardiff Applications
Use Cardiff’s application guidance before opening Planning Portal Wales. Planning Portal Wales asks for the application name, location and type when creating a new application, and the location determines the local planning authority.
Before starting the online form
- Check whether planning permission is actually needed.
- Choose the correct application type.
- Prepare ownership certificate and notices if needed.
- Check the planning fee and payment route.
- Prepare location plan, block plan and scaled drawings.
- Check SuDS, building regulations and separate consents.
Common Cardiff application routes
- Householder planning application.
- Full planning permission.
- Outline planning permission and reserved matters.
- Advertisement consent.
- Listed building consent.
- Conservation area demolition consent.
- Discharge, removal or variation of conditions.
- Non-material amendment.
- Existing or proposed Lawful Development Certificate.
Cardiff Planning Guidance PDF Converted Into Steps
Cardiff’s Planning Application Guidance Notes PDF contains several validation details that are easy to miss if you only use the online form.
| PDF requirement | What it means | What to do before upload |
|---|---|---|
| Correct form | Different forms exist for householder, full, outline, advertisement, conservation area, listed building, LDC, variation and discharge routes. | Pick the route by development type, not by copying a neighbour’s application. |
| Clear proposal description | Cardiff says descriptions should be clear and not too wordy because they are used for consultation. | Use precise wording such as “rear dormer extension” rather than “loft conversion”. |
| Site plan | All planning applications should have a site plan, preferably 1:1250, showing site, boundary and immediate surroundings. | Use an up-to-date plan and check the red line includes all land needed for the proposal. |
| Red and blue land | The application site must be edged red; other applicant-owned or controlled land should be edged blue. | Include access, garden, parking, outbuildings and other affected land where relevant. |
| North point | North needs to be indicated. | Add a visible north arrow to location and site plans. |
| Unique plan numbers | Each drawing should have a unique number used in any decision notice. | Use consistent drawing titles and revision numbers. |
| Scale rules | Plans should be metric, fully dimensioned and normally not less than 1:100; unusual scales such as 1:75 are not accepted. | Use accepted scales, scale bars and clear dimensions. |
| Ownership certificate | The application must include the correct ownership certificate. | Use Certificate A only if you own all affected land and there is no encroachment over other land. |
Cardiff Plans, Red Line, Blue Line and Drawing Checks
Use this drawing checklist before you apply. It is designed to prevent basic technical problems that stop a Cardiff application being understood or validated.
Location plan checks
- Use an up-to-date plan, preferably 1:1250.
- Show the site boundary and immediate surroundings.
- Edge the application site in red.
- Edge other applicant-controlled land in blue.
- Show two street names where possible.
- Show north clearly.
Drawing checks
- Give every plan a unique reference number.
- Use metric scales or full dimensions.
- Avoid unusual scales such as 1:75.
- Show existing site features including trees.
- Distinguish existing and proposed buildings.
- Show materials, external finishes, floorspace and level changes where relevant.
Cardiff SuDS and SAB Approval Before Construction Starts
In Cardiff, SuDS approval can be required alongside planning permission. From 7 January 2019, new developments with construction area of 100m² or more generally require sustainable drainage to manage on-site surface water.
Minimum full SAB application items
- Site location plan with north identified.
- Plan showing construction area and drainage strategy.
- Information requested in the application checklist.
- Statement on whether the application relates to EIA development.
- Appropriate application fee.
Helpful technical evidence
- Topographical survey and site sections.
- Existing drainage and catchment details.
- Ground investigation and infiltration testing.
- Detailed drainage layout and design calculations.
- Maintenance plan and discharge information.
Pre-Application Advice in Cardiff When It Is Worth It
Pre-application advice is most useful where a proposal is uncertain, sensitive, technical or expensive to redesign after submission.
| Project type | Why pre-app can help | Prepare before asking |
|---|---|---|
| Householder extension | Can identify scale, design, amenity or planning-history issues early. | Photos, sketch plan, address, planning history and specific questions. |
| Listed building or conservation area | Can prevent design choices that harm character or require another consent. | Heritage photos, materials, affected features and proposed changes. |
| Change of use, HMO or flats | Can reveal parking, amenity, waste, noise, policy and layout risks. | Existing/proposed floor plans, access, bins, cycle storage and use details. |
| Major or technical development | Can identify report triggers before design freeze. | Draft site layout, SuDS concept, transport, ecology, contamination and policy questions. |
| SuDS-sensitive development | Can reduce layout delays and drainage redesign. | Construction area, ground conditions, discharge route, topography and drainage strategy. |
Cardiff Planning Fees, Timescales, Conditions and Appeals
Fees and timing depend on the type of application. Cardiff notes fees from 1 December 2025, says online applications pay through Planning Portal, and gives general decision target times.
Fees and payment
Some application types are free, such as certain disability access improvements. Paper applications take longer to process, and online applications must be paid through Planning Portal.
Decision timing
Cardiff typically aims to decide applications within 8 weeks, while Environmental Impact Assessment applications have a 16-week target date.
Permission expiry
A Cardiff planning decision is usually valid for five years unless a specific time limit applies. If work has not started in time, you may need to reapply or vary a condition.
Appeals
Cardiff encourages applicants to negotiate an amended scheme before appealing. Objectors and neighbours usually do not have a right to appeal an approval.
Cardiff Local Planning Tips Generic Pages Miss
Cardiff planning decisions can turn on local details. Check these before submitting a comment, buying a property or paying an application fee.
Listed buildings and conservation areas
Listed building consent can apply to work on the main building, associated structures and boundary walls, even where the feature is not specifically named in the list description.
Trees and green edges
Show existing trees on drawings and check protection before altering access, hardstanding, extensions, outbuildings or drainage.
Change of use and flats
Changing a large house into flats or changing commercial use can require full planning permission and internal floor layout plans.
Parking, access and streets
Check visibility, parking loss, cycle storage, refuse collection, servicing and road safety before assuming a small proposal has no highway issue.
SuDS from layout stage
Drainage can affect site layout, hardstanding, infiltration, planting, exceedance routes and construction timing.
Conditions before work starts
Read the decision notice and discharge-of-condition requirements before building. Approval is not always permission to start immediately.
Related UKPlanningPortal Guides for Similar Search Tasks
These internal links are included because they help users understand similar planning portal searches, map routes, public comments and official-source safety without competing directly with Cardiff intent.
Useful Official Cardiff Planning Links by Task
Use the official link that matches your task. Keep the reference number, address, plan files, fee details or draft comment ready before opening the service.
Independent guide note: this page helps you understand the Cardiff planning process before acting. Always verify live deadlines, fees, forms, application status and legal requirements on Cardiff Council, GOV.WALES or Planning Portal Wales before submitting anything.
Cardiff Planning Portal FAQs
Where do I search Cardiff planning applications?
Use Cardiff Council’s online planning system. Search by postcode, one address line, keyword, all or part of the reference number, advanced filters, Cardiff ward or A to Z Street Search.
Do I need a Cardiff planning portal login to view applications?
No. Cardiff says you do not need to register to view applications. You need a login if you want to comment, track an application, save a search or receive email updates.
How do I use the Cardiff planning portal map?
Use map search or Cardiff Online Maps when the address is unclear, the site is a land parcel, or you need location context. Always open the full application record and check the location plan before relying on a map marker.
How do I comment on a Cardiff planning application?
Find the application, check the closing date, log in to the online planning system, open the Comments tab and submit a planning-focused comment. Postal comments should include the reference number.
How long do I have to comment on a Cardiff planning application?
Cardiff says comments usually need to be made within 21 days of the application being submitted, but the exact deadline depends on the case. Check the details tab, letter or site notice.
What is a Cardiff planning reference number?
Cardiff gives an example planning reference format like 12/12345/ABC. The reference should appear on public notices and application paperwork.
Can I use a wildcard search on the Cardiff planning portal?
Yes. Cardiff says you can use the percentage symbol as a wildcard if you do not know the full reference number, for example 12/1234%.
How do I apply for planning permission in Cardiff?
Start with Cardiff’s permission and application guidance, then use Planning Portal Wales where appropriate. Choose the correct application type and prepare forms, fee, plans, ownership certificates and supporting documents.
Does Cardiff require SuDS approval?
For many new developments where the construction area is 100m² or more, SuDS approval may be required. Cardiff says construction cannot start until SAB approval is granted where required.
Can neighbours appeal a Cardiff planning decision?
No. Cardiff says there is no right of appeal for anyone else beyond eligible applicants or people with certain legal interests. Neighbours should submit strong planning comments before the decision.