About Appealbase™
Appealbase™ is a free, open-access web application for searching the full text of planning appeal decision notices issued by the Planning Inspectorate in England since 1 January 2020. With more than 100,000 decisions available, it helps architects, planning consultants, and other built environment professionals access real inspector reasoning to inform better planning applications and reduce the risk of refusal. Basic searching will always be free — optional paid plans are available if you need higher limits for saved searches, alerts, AI assistants, or API access.
Who it's for
- • Architects writing Design & Access Statements or pre-empting refusal risk
- • Planning consultants researching precedent, appeal likelihood, or inspector logic
- • Developers and planning-savvy clients reviewing similar decisions
- • Anyone who wants to understand how inspectors think
Key features
Full-text search
Search the entire text of each decision notice. Results are ranked by relevance, so more meaningful decisions appear first.
Advanced filtering
Filter results by Local Planning Authority, decision, development type, appeal type, and decision date to find relevant cases.
Map search
Search for appeals by location on an interactive map. Visualise results geographically and explore appeals in specific areas.
Appeal references
Follow inline links to previous appeals cited within decisions, with direct access to summaries and the official Appeals Casework Portal.
Citation builder
Copy any text from a decision with a single click. The full appeal reference and decision date are automatically included.
Open access
No account required for basic search, and no credit card to get started. Core search stays free — built to become a daily tool, not a trial. Saved features (searches, decisions, alerts) are account-only and may be subject to limits; optional Pro plans raise those limits.
Email alerts
Save a search and (optionally) enable daily email alerts, so you’re notified when new decisions match your criteria.
Saved searches & decisions
Create an optional account to save searches and favourite decisions. You can also add a short note to remember why you saved a decision.
ChatGPT & Claude
Search appeals and read full decision text inside ChatGPT or Claude. Use our official ChatGPT app or connect in Claude with your Appealbase account.
Partner API access
Programmatic access via REST API and MCP for developers and planning tech. See API access and Developer pricing.
Data source
Appealbase™ searches through planning appeal decision notices issued by the Planning Inspectorate in England. Each decision contains the full reasoning, conditions, and conclusions from the inspector's determination. Data is updated daily and cross-checked quarterly with the PINS Casework Database to ensure accuracy.
Privacy & usage
Appealbase™ is committed to open access and privacy. User accounts are optional, and you can use the site without creating an account.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0, with personal data redacted before republication.
Your use of Appealbase™ is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Statement.
Contact & questions
For answers to common questions, see our Frequently Asked Questions page. Recent features are listed on What's new.
For any other questions or feedback, please contact info@appealbase.com.