Help &
Guidance

Getting Started

Start with the Planning Register if you want to find a specific planning application or browse recent planning activity.

Then open the Context Map to analyse nearby planning activity around any site or property.

Finally, generate a Planning Context Report when you want a printable summary of the local planning context.

Planning Register

Search by application reference, postcode, address, road name, townland, council area or proposal keywords.

Use the filters to narrow results by year, council, status and application type. Select an application to view details, nearby context and quick actions.

Context Map

Click anywhere on the map to analyse planning activity around that location.

Choose a radius and review nearby approvals, refusals, pending applications, refusal themes and recent local planning activity.

Planning Context Reports

Reports summarise planning activity around a selected site or location, including application counts, decisions, nearby comparables and refusal patterns.

Reports are designed to support planning research and due diligence. They do not replace professional planning advice.

Data & Accuracy

Planning Context NI uses publicly available planning application information from official Northern Ireland planning datasets.

Most locations are mapped using official planning coordinates. Where coordinates are unavailable, approximate locations may be derived from published planning information. Always verify key information with official planning sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find an application?

Try searching by application reference, postcode, address, road name, townland or council. Very recent applications may not appear until the next data update.

How often is the data updated?

Planning Context NI is updated regularly using the latest published planning application information.

How do I generate a Planning Context Report?

Click anywhere on the Context Map, choose a search radius, then select Generate Report. Reports summarise nearby planning activity, planning decisions, comparable applications and planning context around the selected location.

Can I use a Planning Context Report to make planning decisions?

No. Reports are designed to support planning research and due diligence. They should not replace professional planning, legal or surveying advice.