This guide explains how to search for a planning agent or architect, review their recent applications, save the search for future use, export the data, and use the findings to support warm business development outreach. The goal is to help a team member quickly identify relevant planning activity and turn it into actionable contact opportunities.
1. Open the planning search tool and choose an agent-based search 0:00
Start by identifying the architect, planning office, or turnkey construction company you want to research.
Remember that the “agent” field may include more than just architects.
Use this search when you want to understand what a specific firm or person has submitted.
2. Navigate to the general search area 0:36
Go to Find Leeds.
If needed, you can search a specific area, but for a broad overview, keep the search general.
Use this approach when you want to see the full scope of an agent’s activity rather than one location only.
3. Locate the planning agent name search field 0:46
Scroll down past the decisions and property use class sections.
Find the box labeled Search Planning Agent Names.
This field supports multiple names, so it can be used for one agent or many.
4. Enter the agent name or upload a CSV list 1:01
Type the architect or company name into the search field.
If you need to search multiple agents, upload a CSV file with several names.
Confirm the spelling and formatting before running the search.
5. Refine the search by date range and decision status 1:32
Narrow the results by selecting a recent time period such as the last 30 or 90 days.
Review decision time to see whether applications are still pending, approved, or otherwise resolved.
Use this step to focus on the most relevant and current activity.
6. Review the search results for recent planning activity 1:48
Check how many applications were submitted in the selected time period.
Look for patterns in the agent’s activity across locations and project types.
Use the results to understand whether the agent is actively submitting new work.
7. Save the search as a preset for future use 2:06
Click Save.
Enter the architect or company name as the preset label.
Save the preset so you can return to it later without rebuilding the search.
8. Revisit the saved search to monitor updates in real time 2:22
Open the saved preset whenever you need an update.
Use it to monitor new submissions as they are added.
Treat the search as a live tracking tool that updates automatically over time.
9. Drill into results using filters to inspect specific applications 2:34
Use filters to narrow the results further.
Review specific plans, drawings, and applications submitted by the firm.
Identify the most relevant projects for outreach or reporting.
10. Export the results to CSV for reporting and outreach 2:47
Click Export CSV.
Name the file clearly, using the agent name or another useful label.
If multiple agents are included, make sure the export name still makes sense for the full dataset.
11. Download and review the exported file 3:23
Open the CSV file after it is delivered by email.
Confirm that the export includes key fields such as:
Planning application reference numbers
Proposal descriptions
Site addresses
Property values
Units
Statuses and decisions
Planning application URLs
Check that the file is complete before using it for reporting or outreach.
12. Use contact details and applicant data to prepare warm outreach 3:48
Review agent details such as company address, email, and mobile number.
Use applicant details to understand who is connected to the project.
Build a targeted outreach message based on the projects they are actively working on.
13. Reach out with a tailored, informed message 4:19
Reference the agent’s recent work and the types of projects they handle.
Mention that you reviewed their recent activity to show relevance.
Position your message as helpful support rather than a cold introduction.
Do not assume every agent is an architect; the field may include planning offices or construction firms.
Be careful when choosing the date range so you do not miss recent activity or include too much irrelevant history.
Verify exported contact details before using them in outreach.
If multiple agents are included in one search, make sure the CSV export and file name are still easy to interpret.
Use the data responsibly and in line with your organisation’s outreach and privacy practices.
Save commonly used searches immediately so you can reuse them later.
Use shorter date ranges first, then expand if you need more context.
Export to CSV whenever you need to share findings with a teammate or build a report.
Keep a standard naming convention for saved searches and exported files.
Use the live search updates to monitor new activity without rebuilding the query each time.
