I need to find a planning application

Use Trafford’s planning register. Search by reference, postcode, one line of address or keyword, then open the full application record.

I need a map or postcode search

Use My Council for address/postcode search, map layers and clickable features. Use it to locate a site, not as a formal plan.

I need to log in

Use the OPENPortal login to comment online and manage account tools. You can also reset forgotten username or password from the login page.

I want to object or support

Find the correct case, read documents, then comment online, by email or in writing with your name, address and application number.

I need to apply

Use the Planning Portal and check Trafford’s validation checklist, local list, BNG, design, ownership and plan requirements before paying.

I need building control records

Use Trafford’s building control search for building-control applications. Planning permission and building control are separate checks.

Use My Council for interactive map search

• Search by any part of an address or postcode.
• Choose the right result from the address list.
• Use My Maps to switch layers on or off.
• Click features to see related information.
• Reset the map if the address or layer becomes confusing.

If you need a map PDF

• For a planning application, use the official submitted location plan, not a screenshot.
• For policy designations, use the Local Plan or Places for Everyone policies map.
• For your own application, use a proper location plan with red/blue line boundaries.
• For legal or land-charge certainty, do not rely on a public map screenshot.
• Do not scale from My Council map output.

Create your account before the deadline

Do not wait until the final day to register. Commenting involves finding the case, opening the Comments tab and submitting through your account.

Use login for comments

Trafford says online comments are made by creating or logging into an account, searching the application and selecting Make a Comment on the Comments tab.

Email and post are alternatives

If you cannot use the online route, Trafford allows comments by email or writing, but you must include the application number, full name, address and comments.

Planning matters Trafford can consider

• Government policy and the Development Plan.
• Design, layout and appearance.
• Overlooking and loss of privacy.
• Loss of light and overshadowing.
• Highway safety, traffic and parking.
• Noise and pollution.
• Historic buildings and areas.
• Nature conservation and impact on trees.
• Disabled persons’ access.
• Supporting planning guidance.

Usually weak or not considered

• Personal characteristics of the applicant.
• Land ownership disputes.
• Private rights of way, private drains and private easements.
• Property values.
• Competition between companies, shops or restaurants.
• Abusive, discriminatory, malicious or libellous content.
• Comments sent only to a councillor without also sending them to the council planning team.

Householder works

Extensions, dormers, outbuildings, garage conversions, porches, boundaries, roof changes, heat pumps and air conditioning may need permission depending on limits and constraints.

Lawful Development Certificate

Trafford says an LDC can confirm that existing use is lawful or that a proposal does not need planning permission. It is useful when you need formal certainty.

Heritage, trees and local constraints

Check listed buildings, conservation areas, TPOs, Trafford Design Code, Places for Everyone and local plan policies before assuming a small project is simple.

Basic application package

• Correct application form.
• Ownership certificate A, B, C or D.
• Agricultural land declaration where required.
• Correct planning fee or exemption evidence.
• Location plan and site/block plan.
• Existing and proposed drawings.
• Design and access statement where required.
• BNG information or exemption statement where relevant.

Location plan and boundary checks

• Location plan normally uses a recognised metric scale.
• Red line should show all land needed for the application.
• Include access to the public highway where needed.
• Blue line should show other nearby land owned by the applicant.
• Do not use My Council map screenshots as formal scaled application plans.
• Use the Planning Portal location plan tool or a compliant purchased plan where suitable.

Trafford Design Code

The design code is a material consideration for quality of new development. Use it for street layout, public realm, building character, tall buildings and placemaking.

Places for Everyone

Places for Everyone is the joint Greater Manchester plan for nine districts, including Trafford. It became part of the statutory development plan in March 2024.

Policy map vs application map

A policy map shows designations and allocations. The application map/register shows specific applications. Do not confuse the two.

When BNG may matter

• New development that affects habitat.
• Major or non-exempt schemes.
• Sites with trees, hedges, grassland, watercourses or brownfield habitat.
• Green Belt release/allocation areas and edge-of-settlement sites.
• Applications where the form asks for biodiversity gain information.

BNG evidence to prepare

• Statement on whether BNG applies.
• Pre-development biodiversity value.
• Completed statutory metric calculation.
• Habitat plan showing north and scale.
• Evidence for any exemption claim.
• Biodiversity Gain Plan after permission where required.

Officer decisions

Trafford says about 90% of applications are dealt with by planning officers where the proposal is straightforward and meets policies and guidance.

Planning Committee

Committee can be used where a councillor calls in the application, at least 10 contrary letters are received, or significant interest means committee determination is needed.

Decision notice and conditions

Read the decision notice carefully. Some conditions must be discharged before work starts, and changes after permission may need a further application.

Buyer checklist

• Search planning applications by address and postcode.
• Check appeals and enforcement cases separately.
• Open decision notices and approved plan numbers.
• Search building control records for structural works.
• Check if conditions were discharged before works started.
• Ask your solicitor about formal land-charge searches.

Seller or landlord checklist

• Collect decision notices and approved drawings.
• Collect discharge-of-condition approvals.
• Find building control completion evidence.
• Check LDC evidence if works were done as permitted development.
• Resolve missing paperwork before listing the property.
• Check HMO, short-term use, licensing and change-of-use issues separately.