How do I use Public Access?
We have produced a list of 'Frequently Asked Questions' as pdf documents that provide information on how to use Public Access. You will need a pdf reader such as Adobe Acrobat to view these files.
- How do I register for Public Access? (pdf format 202 Kb)
- How do I search for an application? (pdf format 317 Kb)
- How can I do more complicated searches? (pdf format 305 Kb)
- Where can I find an application's documents? (pdf format 508 Kb)
- How can I make a comment on an application? (pdf format 358 Kb)
- How can I see where an application is? (pdf format 663 Kb)
- How can I follow an application's progress through the planning system? (pdf format 251 Kb)
- How can I find out about other planning applications made on a property? (pdf format 407 Kb)
- How can I measure plans in Public Access? (pdf format 184 Kb)
- How do I save documents from Public Access? (pdf format 325 Kb)
I am having problems viewing Public Access with my web browser
- Public Access is best viewed with recent versions of Internet Explorer. Other web browsers may not show the website correctly.
- If Public Access does not appear to work as expected, please check your browser options.
- Public Access uses pop-up windows to provide help and results. Check your browser settings to make sure pop-ups are allowed.
- Some files may be large and can take a while to download. If you experience problems, please use the Public Access feedback web form to ask for help.
I cannot open a document in the documents section
Most of the files in the ‘Documents’ section for each application are Adobe Acrobat .pdf files, or image format such as '.tif' or '.jpg'. Other files may be saved in Microsoft Office formats.
If you do not have software that is capable of reading these files, please try searching on the internet. For example, searching for ‘doc reader’ will find software that can read Word documents saved on Public Access.
If you still have problems opening files, please contact us using the Public Access feedback web form
Viewing Historical Planning Files
You can view details of planning applications submitted after 1 January 1997 on Public Access for Planning. This will normally includes a copy of the application form, plans, supporting information, decision notice and S106 agreement (where relevant).
Many applications submitted before 1 January 1997 will have at least some of their documents available electronically.
Please note that for data protection reasons not all documents associated with a planning file may be made available to view via Public Access.
Application files submitted prior to 1 January 1997 are held on microfiche and can be viewed at the planning Dept on the 3rd floor, Jacobs Well.
How do I view planning constraint information?
Planning constraint information is currently not available to view on Public Access. However, some online constraint information is now available on the main planning website.
The Council is committed to making the remaining information available as soon as possible. In the meantime please contact your local planning office for details of any possible constraints.
Is there a problem with the website?
Please use our feedback form to tell us about any problems accessing our pages and/or scanned images. You can find it by following the Public Access feedback web form
Comments submitted in this way do not go directly to the Planning Service. If you use this form to comment on a planning application, it may not reach the relevant person.
I am having difficulty submitting comments
If you are having difficulty submitting comments on Public Access, please read the information on the Submitting Comments web page.
