Both routes submit the same statutory information and supporting documents to the local planning authority. UK Planning Gateway focuses on drafting and managing the application pack from the documents you already have.
| Feature | UK Planning Gateway | Planning Portal | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
Draft application from documentsUpload or drag and drop drawings, statements, and supporting documents into AskArchi to generate a draft application. |  | - | Reduces re keying and gives you a consistent first draft to review. |
Suggested answers auto fillAskArchi suggests answers based on what you upload and your saved office defaults. You can edit every field before submission. | | - | Speeds up routine sections while keeping control and accountability. |
Supporting documents and pack structureOrganise uploads into a structured pack with consistent naming and prompts for missing items before submission. | | Attach supporting documents as part of the online application process. | Cleaner packs and fewer back and forth queries during validation. |
Version history and audit trailTrack changes to drafted answers and uploaded documents across iterations, useful for QA and handover. | | Saved drafts within your account. | Makes internal review and handover easier on multi person jobs. |
Office defaults and reuseSave agent details and common entries for reuse across applications. | | Saved drafts per application. | Cuts repeat admin work across frequent submissions. |
FAQs
UK Planning Gateway is a modern, independent platform that simplifies the UK planning application process for homeowners and professionals, and aims to be an alternative to traditional planning application submission portals.
UK Planning Gateway is an independent planning application submission platform for England and Wales, built by Submit A Plan Limited. It guides applicants through the information and documents typically needed for a valid submission and helps organise supporting files so the application is complete and clear on upload.
No. UK Planning Gateway is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Planning Portal, TerraQuest, or any UK government department. UK Planning Gateway is operated by Submit A Plan Limited.
UK Planning Gateway is an independent platform for preparing and submitting planning applications, built around a guided workflow and structured information capture. Some applicants and professionals use UK Planning Gateway, while others use different submission routes depending on their local authority and project.
UK Planning Gateway supports online submission to participating local planning authorities, depending on application type and council setup. If your council or application type is not currently supported, you can still use the platform to prepare your information and documents in an organised way for submission via another route.
UK Planning Gateway supports common planning application types, and the available options depend on your local planning authority. The platform will present the application types it supports once you select the council and start a new submission.
Most planning applications need completed application details, the correct plans and drawings, and supporting documents that vary by site and proposal. UK Planning Gateway prompts you for the documents commonly requested and helps you attach them in a clear, structured way for submission.
UK Planning Gateway does not guarantee validation or planning approval. The local planning authority is responsible for validating and determining applications, and requirements can vary by council and by site constraints. Use the platform to improve completeness and clarity, and confirm any specialist requirements with your council or appointed professional.
After submission, the official application record and decision process sits with the local planning authority. UK Planning Gateway keeps a record of what you submitted and the documents you uploaded, so you can refer back to the same submission pack if you need it later.
UK Planning Gateway is designed for homeowners as well as professionals such as architects, planning consultants and agents who manage planning submissions for clients. It is intended to reduce admin overhead by capturing information in a structured format and keeping submissions consistent across projects.
Yes. UK Planning Gateway is set up to manage multiple submissions and keep client information, site details and supporting documents organised by project. This helps practices track what was submitted, and reuse consistent project information where appropriate.
AskArchi is UK Planning Gateway’s planning assistant built to support the submission workflow. It is intended to help users understand what information is typically required and how to present it clearly for a planning submission, not to replace professional judgement or local authority confirmation where needed.
We streamline planning validation so you can focus on design and delivery. Manage all your client applications in one place, run instant compliance checks with our AskArchi™ AI assistant, generate branded reports, and track every stage of the validation process.
Every valid application also comes with £75 in OS map credit, enough for both site and location plans.
Manage Gateway, validate and plan manage your business, plans and all managed.
Will cover access in regards to services and planning documents. Receive newsletter, user information.
Consistent for handling estate across all planning projects, completing tasks to your account settings.
Will communicate immediate responses regarding next stages. Review your submission process and submit to your LPA.
Stay informed & inspired
Explore our blog for the latest trends, expert insights and practical ideas to drive your business forward.
Artificial intelligence is now being used across professional work for drafting, research,...
Most planning applications can follow a standard digital submission route. A small...
Why planning applications become invalid before determination Reviewed by a planning professional...
By Michael KalamFounder, UK Planning Gateway Reviewed by a planning professional with...
Last week, our founder Michael Kalam presented UK Planning Gateway at Ordnance...
HM Land Registry published a guest post from UK Planning Gateway on...
