Search an existing application

Use York’s Online Planning Register. Start with Simple Search, then use Advanced Search, Weekly/Monthly Lists, Property Search or Map Search if needed.

Use the planning map

Use map search for visual browsing, but do not rely on it alone while York’s map-search issue remains. Check Simple or Advanced search too.

Log in or register

Register or log in to leave online comments and receive updates. City of York notes planning login details are separate from other council portals.

Comment on a case

Comment online, by email or by post. Include your name, contact details, application reference if known, site address and planning comments.

Submit a new application

Use the Planning Portal application service for online submission, or use forms/email/post where appropriate. Check York’s validation list first.

Report a breach

Check the planning register first, then use York’s planning enforcement route if development appears unauthorised or not in line with consent.

How to use map search safely

• Open the York planning map search.
• Pan and zoom to the street or neighbourhood.
• Click the map result to open case details.
• Compare the map marker with the location plan and red-line boundary.
• Repeat the search in Simple or Advanced search if the map looks incomplete.
• Do not assume no map marker means no application.

What registration/login is for

• Leave online comments on applications.
• Receive updates on applications.
• Use saved searches and profile tools.
• View notified applications and tracked applications.
• Remember the session can time out after 30 minutes.
• Accounts unused for 5 years may be deleted and require re-registration.

Location plan

Check the red-line boundary, access, neighbouring roads, footpaths, parking, visibility, trees and any blue-line land owned by the applicant.

Site plan and elevations

Compare existing and proposed plans, elevations, roof plans, sections, site levels, drawing scales, revision letters and upload dates.

BNG and ecology

Look for BNG information, ecological reports, habitat plans, biodiversity metric files and any protected species evidence where triggered.

Heritage evidence

York has many listed buildings and heritage-sensitive areas. Read heritage statements, conservation comments and listed building consent details where relevant.

Public and consultee comments

Read neighbours, conservation officers, transport officers, parish councils, Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water and other consultee responses where present.

Decision notice and conditions

For approved cases, check approved plan numbers, time limits and conditions that may need compliance before, during or after development.

Include these details

• Your name.
• Your contact address.
• Your contact email address if you are content to receive electronic correspondence.
• The application reference, if known.
• The address of the property your comment relates to.
• Your planning comments or objections.
• The submission date at the end of your online comment.

Good planning topics

• Design, scale, height, massing and materials.
• Impact on neighbours, privacy, daylight, outlook or noise.
• Highway safety, access, cycle parking, car parking and servicing.
• Listed buildings, conservation areas, archaeology and city character.
• Trees, ecology, BNG, green infrastructure and protected species.
• Flood risk, drainage, foul sewage and land contamination.
• Planning policy, site history and decision conditions.

Domestic changes

Extensions, dormer windows, garages, boundary walls, garden extensions, outbuildings, garden structures and wind turbines can need planning permission.

Change of use

Using a home as a short-term let, holiday home or business can need permission. Use York’s enquiry or pre-application route if unsure.

Special consent

Listed buildings, demolition in conservation areas and works affecting protected trees or hedgerows may need separate consent as well as, or instead of, normal planning permission.

What happens if the application is valid

• The validation team processes the application.
• An acknowledgement letter is sent.
• Neighbours are notified if appropriate.
• Press advertisement is arranged if required.
• Statutory and internal consultees are contacted where needed.
• The application becomes available online.
• The case is passed to a planning officer for assessment and recommendation.

What happens if the application is invalid

• You receive an email or letter explaining why it is invalid.
• The application is held until the requested information is received.
• The hold period is 21 days.
• If information is not supplied in time, the application is returned.
• The fee is refunded minus an administration fee.
• A returned application must be submitted again as a new application.

Biodiversity Net Gain

York’s BNG guidance explains that most planning applications will need to demonstrate at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain where mandatory BNG applies. Major development applies from 12 February 2024 and small-scale development from 2 April 2024.

• Confirm whether BNG applies or exemption is justified.
• Submit metric calculations in Excel format where required.
• Include a BNG Plan explaining at least 10% net gain.
• Use GIS or mapped baseline and post-development habitats.
• Prepare monitoring and maintenance information.
• Use a suitably qualified ecologist where needed.

CIL and developer contributions

York’s application guidance requires CIL Additional Information Form 1 with planning submissions. York has also implemented a Community Infrastructure Levy charging schedule, so applicants should check the live CIL page before submitting.

• Complete CIL Additional Information Form 1.
• Check whether floor space changes trigger liability.
• Save fee and CIL calculation evidence.
• Check whether a section 106 obligation or unilateral undertaking may apply.
• Ask the planning team if your project is complex or unclear.

Listed buildings

City of York says listed building protection extends to the whole building, inside and outside, and to certain structures within its domain. Listed building consent may be needed for alterations, extensions or demolition.

Trees and TPOs

Protected trees and conservation-area trees need careful checks. For conservation-area tree works, York requires 6 weeks’ prior notice; TPO tree works need a tree works application.

Archaeology

York’s validation list can require archaeological desk-based assessment where site location or development scale triggers it, especially in sensitive historic areas.

What to provide in a breach report

• Clear details of what is causing concern.
• Location and address of the land or property.
• Your name, address and email address.
• Landowner or developer details if known.
• Photos, dates and planning reference if relevant.
• Explain whether the issue is building works, use of land/building, condition breach, trees or listed building concern.

What York checks

• Whether planning permission has been granted.
• Whether the matter is permitted development.
• Planning history, photos and evidence.
• Whether formal enforcement action is expedient.
• Harm to nearby residents or York’s landscape/buildings.
• Whether another agency such as Highway Authority or Environment Agency is relevant.