How to Research Planning Permission Before You Build with Claude
Research Planning Permission Before You Build with Claude and ToolRouter. Understand your planning position before spending money on professional fees.
Tool
Claude is ideal for planning research because the data — constraints, precedents, permitted development rules — needs interpretation in the context of your specific project. Claude can pull the data and tell you what it means for what you are trying to do.
Connect ToolRouter to Claude
1Open connector settings Open Settings
2Add a custom connector with these details
Name
ToolRouterURL
https://api.toolrouter.com/mcp3Let Claude set you up Open Claude
Steps
Once connected (see setup above), use the Construction Manager tool:
- Give Claude the property address and a description of the work you want to do.
- Ask Claude to run `lookup_property` and `check_property_constraints` via the construction-manager tool.
- Ask Claude to run `search_planning_permits` to find the history of applications and approvals in the area.
- Have Claude assess whether your proposed work is likely to require full planning permission or falls within permitted development.
- Ask Claude what the main risks are and what additional information you should get before instructing an architect.
Example Prompt
Try this with Claude using the Construction Manager tool
Use construction-manager to research the planning position for a rear single-storey extension at 8 Park Lane, Oxford. Check the constraints, look up the planning history, and tell me whether this is likely to be permitted development or will need a full application.
Tips
- Describe your proposed work specifically — dimensions, materials, use — so the constraints assessment is relevant.
- Ask Claude to flag if the property is in a conservation area or an Article 4 direction area, as these remove permitted development rights.
- Understanding the planning position before instructing an architect can save you several hundred pounds in abortive fees.