Site constraints checklist
A project-start checklist for conservation areas, listed buildings, flood risk, trees, Article 4, highways and local policy constraints.
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Use This Before The Project Becomes Expensive
This resource is designed for early planning decisions. It helps you name the issue, record the obvious checks and avoid paying for drawings, applications or contractor commitments before the planning route is clear enough.
Good use
Print it, mark it up, save the source links and use it as a short agenda for a council, designer, consultant or builder conversation.
Not a decision
It is not a formal certificate, approval, legal opinion or replacement for checking the exact property, council and design.
Best next step
Use the site constraint checker when the checklist shows the route is still unclear or locally sensitive.
Work Through These First
- Check whether the property is listed, in a conservation area or affected by Article 4.
- Check trees, flood risk, highways, rights of way and planning history.
- Check local design guidance and any estate or planning conditions.
- Record links, screenshots and dates checked before briefing drawings.
Site constraints checklist
Tick these off on paper or copy the text into your project notes. Keep any official links, screenshots and dates with the project record.
Constraint sweep
- Conservation area, listed building or locally listed status.
- Article 4 directions, planning conditions or removed permitted development rights.
- Trees, TPOs, flood risk, highways, access, rights of way and local design codes.
Evidence trail
- Save official maps or council pages used for each check.
- Take site photos showing sensitive boundaries, trees, frontage and neighbours.
- Write the question that still needs council or professional confirmation.
Things Worth Avoiding
- Checking project rules before checking whether the site is sensitive.
- Assuming the absence of one constraint means there are no constraints.
- Forgetting planning history and conditions from older permissions.
- Not keeping evidence of what was checked and when.
Questions To Put To The Council Or A Professional
- Which constraint could most change the route?
- Is the constraint confirmed by an official source or only assumed?
- Does the project need redesign before the formal route is chosen?
Official Sources Worth Opening Next
Use these as starting points and then check the relevant council page for the property. Rules, validation requirements and local controls can change by authority and site.
Clean Citation Text
Use this when sharing the resource with a neighbour, designer, builder or adviser.
General Guidance Only
This checklist is a general screening tool. Site constraints need confirming from official sources.
Before relying on a borderline route, confirm the latest position with official sources, the local planning authority or a suitable professional.