5 minute read. Practical research method for use with public property records.
The screen uses one point
PropertyMetrics resolves a postcode to a latitude and longitude and asks the Planning Data platform which connected designations intersect that point. The point represents a postcode centroid. It is not the property's title polygon, building footprint or garden boundary.
A designation returned at the centroid is a reason to investigate. A result with no designations is not confirmation that the property is unrestricted.
Coverage differs by dataset and authority
The first release checks a limited group of English datasets including Article 4 direction areas, conservation areas, flood-risk zones, green belt, listed buildings and tree-preservation zones. Availability and completeness differ between local planning authorities.
Some relevant matters may sit in local systems, planning history, title documents or environmental searches and may not be present in the connected national dataset.
Move from screening to verification
Use the screen to decide which questions to ask next. Confirm the property boundary, inspect the source reference, search the local authority planning portal and obtain the appropriate conveyancing searches.
- Check whether the designation intersects the actual property.
- Confirm the date and status of the source record.
- Ask what works or use changes require consent.
- Keep professional conclusions outside the screening tool.
Record the negative result just as carefully
When no designation is returned, retain the coordinates, datasets requested, retrieval time and source state. ‘No record returned’ is a reproducible observation; ‘no constraint’ is a legal or professional conclusion that the screen cannot support.
A proper handoff should also name the routes not covered by this screen: the local planning portal, local land charges, title documents, environmental searches and any specialist advice required for the intended works or use.