Historic applications

Viewing Applications

You can view the details of planning applications and appeals from 1 January 1990 by searching on Public Access Search / view planning applications 
 
A guide is available to read on How to use Public Access (PDF 3616kb).
 
If you require details of applications before 1990 or a full planning history for a property it would be advisable to submit a  Site History Enquiry (PDF 56kb) or a Local Land Search.

Alternatively, you can compile a site history yourself using the following records:

Pre 1974 links to the Plotting Sheets and Street Card Index records for local authorities (covering former Ormskirk, West Lancashire Rural, Wigan, Skelmersdale and Up Holland areas) prior to the formation of West Lancashire Borough Council in 1974.

1974 – 2000 links to to the Plotting Sheets and Street Card Index records for 1974 – 2000 covering West Lancashire Borough Council including Simonswood area (previously Knowsley Council).

Please note: Descriptions of the development and decision against each record on the Street Card index must not be fully relied upon. Reference should be made to the actual Decision Notice.

Planning history charges

The following fees are payable in advance:

  • Research and compilation of planning records, responding to questions and provision of related information: £71.50 per hour (or part thereof) plus vat, for each site location.
  • Requests for further information after initial response to the above: £71.50 per hour  (or part thereof) plus vat, for each site location. 

Copying requests 

You can view and download plans and documents (subject to copyright) relating to applications received since 1 January 2000. There are, however, a number of applications received between 2000 and 2004 where the documents have not been published.
  
To view unpublished documents or request copies of plans and documents (subject to copyright) email plan.apps@westlancs.gov.uk. 

Planning application information charges

The following fees are payable in advance:

  • Decision notices, enforcement notices, tree preservation orders and section 106 agreements: £10.00 each, plus VAT
  • Copies of documents (A4): £0.50 per sheet up, to a maximum of £5.00,  plus VAT for up to 25 sheets (50 sides of text) - the charging system repeats itself for each additional 25 sheets
  • Copies of plans (A3/A4): £0.50, plus VAT per sheet up, to a maximum of £5.00, plus VAT for up to 25 sheets (50 sides of text) - the charging system repeats itself for each additional 25 sheets
  • Copies of plans (A2/A1/A0): £2.00, plus VAT per copy, up to five plans and £1.50, plus VAT for each additional copy thereafter

Paying fees 

You can make a payment in the following ways:

  • Online with your credit or debit card using our online form.  
  • Internet Banking Service by logging onto your own bank account and transferring the fee to the Council's bank account.
  • BACS transfer

When paying by Internet Banking Service or BACS transfer it is essential that you quote either 'Planning History' or 'Planning Copies' and provide the site location of the enquiry so that when the payment is received the Council knows what the payment is for.

The Council's bank account details are:

National Westminster Bank Ltd 
Account name: West Lancashire Borough Council 
Account number: 86998404 
Sort code: 01-06-45