Using Keyword Search Effectively

How keyword search works

The keyword search in PlanningIndex searches across the description field of every planning application in your subscribed councils. When you enter a keyword, PlanningIndex returns all applications whose description contains that word or phrase.

You can enter multiple keywords separated by commas. PlanningIndex will return applications that match any of the keywords — so more keywords means more results, not fewer.

Choosing effective keywords

The best keywords are specific terms that appear in planning applications for your type of work. Generic terms like "building" or "house" will return too many irrelevant results. Specific terms like "timber sash windows" or "single-storey rear extension" will return fewer but more relevant results.

• Be specific: "replacement windows" is better than "windows".
• Use trade terms: "hip to gable" will find loft conversions that a general search might miss.
• Use multiple keywords: "replacement windows, double glazing, timber sash" catches more variations.
• Check your results: if you are seeing irrelevant results, try more specific keywords.