It is possible that certain customers may require details on the planning history of a property.

The planning department holds records dating back many years and this information is available to the public. It is possible to request copies of certain documents such as decision notices or copies of the listings for listed buildings.

The first way to research the planning history of a property is to come into the planning office in Needham Market, speak to a receptionist and identify the property that you are interested in researching. You would then be given a “plotting sheet” that contain details of the property you are interested in, on this sheet is written the reference numbers of planning applications made on this property up to 2004. Newer applications are listed on our web based search tool.

Another way is to request that a member of the planning department staff carry out the research for you, there is a charge of £40 for any work carried out on research and this is normally limited to 30 minutes research. If a more detailed search is required then a Land Charge search should be requested.

In 2008, we will look to progresively transfer our electronic records onto a new system which will allow the public to view information direct from our website.