Question 1

Is this a planning decision?

Accepted Answer

No. This tool surfaces public planning data — listed buildings, National Landscape boundaries — so you know what context you're working in. It does not predict outcomes, replace a planning officer, or substitute for advice from a planning consultant. The next step on any flagged site is a conversation, not a decision.

Question 2

Where does the data come from?

Accepted Answer

Postcode validation via postcodes.io. Listed buildings via Historic England's National Heritage List for England (NHLE). National Landscape (AONB) boundaries via planning.data.gov.uk, sourced from Natural England. Each constraint card on the result links directly to the underlying record.

Question 3

Why does my Conservation Area not show up?

Accepted Answer

planning.data.gov.uk relies on Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) uploading their boundaries. Several Kentish LPAs — including Ashford BC and Tunbridge Wells BC — have not yet published their Conservation Area data to the national platform. We surface only what we can authoritatively verify. Confirm with your LPA before relying on a green light.

Question 4

What does the traffic light mean?

Accepted Answer

Green: no statutory designations within 500 metres on the data we check. Amber: material constraints apply (typically National Landscape designation or nearby listed buildings). Red: your property is itself listed, or sits inside a layered restriction stack. A red light is not a no; it's an indicator that you'll need Listed Building Consent and a builder experienced in heritage work — which is what ICS does.

Question 5

Is this advice?

Accepted Answer

No. ICS Builders are general contractors, not planning consultants. This tool is informational and is not a substitute for professional planning advice from a chartered planning consultant, an architect, or the Local Planning Authority's planning officers.

Planning Permission Complexity Check

ICS works inside these constraints every week.