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Free UK Planning Tools

Twenty-one instant screening tools built on official data — a full site constraints appraisal, extension permitted development, green belt, council lookup, flood, fees, daylight, carbon and biodiversity net gain. No sign-up, no email gate.

Every tool on this page answers a real screening question a UK planning application raises. Each one links to a guide explaining the method behind it, and every factor and boundary it uses comes from an official source — the Environment Agency, Defra, BRE, SAP 10.2, the MHCLG fee schedule and GOV.UK guidance. When a tool flags a risk, the matching report service turns the answer into something you can submit.

Jump straight to a tool

1 · Flood zone checker

Postcode in, Environment Agency flood zone out — with what it means for your application.

This checker needs JavaScript — or use the official Flood Map for Planning.

2 · Can I build it? Flood vulnerability checker

Combines your flood zone with the NPPF vulnerability classification to tell you if your use is appropriate, needs the Exception Test, or should not be permitted.

This checker needs JavaScript — the rules are in the PPG flood risk guidance.

3 · AQMA checker

Is your site inside a declared Air Quality Management Area?

This checker needs JavaScript — or browse AQMAs on Defra UK-AIR.

4 · Daylight calculator (BRE 0.8-times rule)

Screen a window against the BR 209 (2022) VSC and APSH tests.

This calculator needs JavaScript — the tests are explained in our daylight targets reference.

5 · Heat pump vs gas boiler carbon calculator

Compare heating carbon with the SAP 10.2 factors behind Part L 2021.

This calculator needs JavaScript — the factors are explained in our heat pump statistics guide.

6 · Heat pump permitted development checker

Do you need planning permission for an air source heat pump under the 2025 rules?

This checker needs JavaScript — the rules are in our permitted development guide.

7 · BNG statutory credit cost calculator

What a biodiversity-unit shortfall costs at official 2026 prices, with the ×2 spatial multiplier.

This calculator needs JavaScript — the official price list is on GOV.UK.

8 · Planning application checklist generator

Six questions plus live flood-zone and AQMA lookups → the documents your application is likely to need.

This tool needs JavaScript — see the checklist guide.

9 · Planning application fee calculator (2026)

The fees effective 1 April 2026, from the official MHCLG schedule — householder to major schemes.

This tool needs JavaScript — fees are on GOV.UK.

10 · National space standards checker

Minimum gross internal areas and bedroom sizes for new dwellings (NDSS).

This tool needs JavaScript — the table is in the official standard.

11 · Use class change checker

Current use → proposed use: no permission, prior approval, or full application.

This tool needs JavaScript — classes on the Planning Portal.

12 · BNG exemption checker

Does mandatory 10% biodiversity net gain apply — including the 6 August 2026 small-sites change?

This tool needs JavaScript — exemptions on GOV.UK.

13 · 45-degree rule checker

Will an extension cross the 45° line — or the BRE 25° daylight screen?

This tool needs JavaScript — see the 45-degree guide.

14 · Shadow length calculator (21 March)

Solar geometry on BRE's overshadowing test day, for any UK latitude.

This tool needs JavaScript — see the shadow guide.

15 · Decision & appeal deadline calculator

8/13/16-week determination periods and the 12-week / 6-month appeal windows, as dates.

This tool needs JavaScript — see the deadline guide.

16 · London carbon offset calculator

Annual shortfall × 30 years × your borough's price (£95 GLA default).

This tool needs JavaScript — see the offset guide.

17 · Do I need a flood risk assessment?

Live zone lookup plus the five national FRA triggers — with the reasons spelled out.

This tool needs JavaScript — rules on GOV.UK.

18 · Site constraints appraisal

One postcode → 14 official datasets: green belt, conservation areas, article 4, listed buildings, SSSIs, monuments, flood zones, AQMAs and more.

This tool needs JavaScript — see the constraints guide.

19 · Householder extension PD checker

The real Class A and Class E limits — rear depths, prior approval routes, side rules, outbuildings, the 50% rule.

This tool needs JavaScript — the limits are in the official guidance.

20 · Green belt checker

In or out of England's green belt — and what a "yes" means for extensions vs new homes.

This tool needs JavaScript — see the green belt guide.

21 · Find my council (planning search)

Postcode → your local planning authority, ward and region, with a direct link to its planning application register.

This tool needs JavaScript — or use GOV.UK's register finder.

From screening to a planning-ready report

Planning-ready reports: flood risk · air quality · energy · sustainability — plus professional daylight & sunlight reports.

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