Why public notices matter – and how to find them

Public notices exist precisely to prevent that – and if you know where to look, they can help you stay one step ahead.

What are public notices?

Public notices are official announcements made by councils, local authorities, businesses and individuals to inform communities of proposals, decisions and changes that may affect everyday life.

They are not just bureaucratic paperwork – they are a legal safeguard, giving every member of the public a fair and timely opportunity to respond before a decision is finalised.

Where can you find them?

An easy place to find public notices is the Public Notice Portal – a free, fully searchable platform where you can look up notices by postcode, category or local authority.

You can also register for email alerts, choosing to receive updates daily, weekly or monthly, so relevant notices land directly in your inbox.

Notices also continue to appear in local newspapers, such as The Northern Echo, both in print and online.

Who can post a notice – and how?

Notices on the portal are submitted by registered local news publishers on behalf of those who need them placed.

This could be a solicitor administering a will, a business applying for a licence, or a local council giving notice of a planning application or road closure.

How does the Public Notice Portal work?

Local news publishers including The Northern Echo contribute upload all the notices that appear in their printed newspaper titles to the portal, which displays nearly 14,000 live notices at any given time.

To search for public notices in your area, visit publicnoticeportal.uk

Why do public notices matter?

Public notices underpin local democracy. They ensure transparency and accountability, giving communities the chance to engage with decisions that might otherwise pass unnoticed – from a proposed housing development to a change in local licensing.

Without them, the power to shape your local area would rest entirely with the decision-makers, not the people most affected.

Types of public notice

The Public Notice Portal organises notices into eight categories.

Planning – applications for new buildings, extensions and changes of use. If a developer submits plans to build new homes, you can search the Public Notice Portal by postcode to find the application and submit your comments before the deadline.

Traffic and roads – road closures, diversions, parking changes and speed limit alterations. For example, if you are planning a trip, check the portal for any planned closures or diversions on any of the main roads you'd be using before you set off.

Alcohol and licensing – applications by pubs, restaurants, shops and event organisers to sell alcohol or hold licensable events. If a new venue in County Durham or Darlington is applying for a licence, you can find the notice on the portal and raise any concerns with the licensing authority within the stated timeframe.

Goods vehicle licensing, probate and trustee, contract and tender, statutory notices and other discretionary notices are also covered – making the portal a single, reliable destination for the full range of official public announcements.