Source: Planning.data.gov.uk & Natural England
Planning Constraints Map UK
Check the key planning designations, risks and restrictions affecting a property or land parcel before purchase, design or planning submission — all on one map.
Updated: periodically as authorities amend designations · Last checked by Maplify: September 2026
Editorial review
Reviewed by the Maplify Editorial Team. Editorial policy
Verification
Last checked September 2026. Methodology · Corrections
Check planning constraints by postcode or address
Search a UK site to open its planning constraints on Maplify, including Green Belt, conservation, heritage, flood and environmental context.
Maplify is a screening and due-diligence tool. Verify critical planning, legal and environmental matters with the relevant authority or qualified professional.
What This Layer Shows
This layer brings together the key planning constraints that affect UK development: Green Belt, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks, Agricultural Land Classification, Article 4 Directions, Brownfield Land, Site Allocations and Neighbourhood Plan Areas, alongside the heritage, environmental and flood risk layers covered by their own dedicated pages.
Green Belt, AONB and National Parks are the three designations most likely to restrict development outright — each carries a different test for what counts as acceptable development.
Why It Matters
Planning constraints are usually the single biggest factor determining whether a site is developable at all, and at what scale. Checking constraints together, on one map, avoids the risk of missing a designation that only surfaces late in the application process — after money has already been spent on design and surveys.
Developers, landowners and planning consultants use this layer as the starting point for site feasibility, before commissioning detailed technical reports on any specific constraint that applies.
How to Interpret the Map
Green Belt
Prevents urban sprawl — very limited development allowed without "very special circumstances".
AONB / National Landscape
Landscapes of national importance — major development only in exceptional circumstances.
Article 4 Direction
Permitted development rights removed by the local authority — full planning permission required.
Planning and Development Implications
Green Belt is one of England's most significant strategic planning designations. Development proposals within protected landscapes and other constrained areas face additional policy tests, so identifying overlapping designations early can materially change site strategy, design and the evidence needed for an application.
Article 4 Directions remove specific permitted development rights, meaning works that would otherwise be automatically allowed — such as certain extensions or change of use — require a full planning application instead.
What to Do When a Site Is Affected
- 1
Identify every planning constraint affecting the site using this map before commissioning detailed surveys.
- 2
Check the dedicated layer page for each specific constraint identified (Green Belt, AONB, Article 4, etc).
- 3
Engage a planning consultant early for sites within Green Belt, AONB or National Park boundaries.
- 4
Confirm current Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan policies for the site's specific local authority.
- 5
Combine planning constraints with flood risk, heritage and environmental data for a full feasibility picture.
This is general guidance, not professional or legal advice — confirm specifics with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Official Data Source
Data Freshness
Important Limitations
- This map is a screening tool — always confirm the exact status and current policy with the relevant local planning authority.
- A very recently adopted or amended designation may not yet be reflected if source data has not been updated.
- This map does not replace advice from a qualified planning consultant for a specific proposal.
- Individual constraint pages (Green Belt, AONB, Article 4, etc) provide more detailed guidance for that specific designation.
Common Use Cases
Property Developers
Screen sites for the full range of planning constraints before committing to acquisition.
Planning Consultants
Build an initial constraints picture to scope further technical work.
Landowners
Understand realistic development potential before commissioning design work.
Architects
Design schemes that respond to the site's specific planning designations from the outset.
Related Layers
Planning constraint checks are commonly run alongside these related layers.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a planning constraints map?
A planning constraints map shows the designations, risks and restrictions affecting a property or land parcel, including Green Belt, flood zones, conservation areas, listed buildings, TPOs, SSSIs and environmental designations.
How do I check planning constraints on land?
Search for a location on Maplify, then enable the planning constraint layers to view all designations affecting the site in one map.
Does Maplify replace a planning consultant?
No. Maplify is a screening tool. Always verify critical planning matters with the relevant local planning authority or a qualified planning consultant.
What is the difference between Green Belt, AONB and National Parks?
Green Belt prevents urban sprawl around cities with very limited development allowed. AONB and National Parks protect nationally important landscapes, restricting major development except in exceptional circumstances.
How current is the planning constraints data?
Layers are sourced from Planning.data.gov.uk and refreshed periodically as local authorities and Natural England update their designations.
Check Planning Constraints on Maplify
View all planning designations affecting your site on one interactive map.
Dataset Details
| Provider | Planning.data.gov.uk / Natural England |
| Geometry type | Polygon |
| Coverage | England |
| Update schedule | Periodic check against source agency data |
| Reference date | September 2026 |
| Licence | Open Government Licence v3.0 |
References and Methodology
Reviewed by the Maplify data & editorial team
Maplify displays official-source data for desktop screening and due diligence. We document where each dataset comes from, how it is processed, when it is checked and where its limitations matter.