The free tool that can help you keep track of changes in your Leeds neighbourhood

Have you ever driven into a road closure you didn't know was coming, spotted building work on your street and wondered what was being planned, or discovered that a development had been approved just around the corner?

Public notices can provide an early warning about changes in Leeds that could affect your home, your journey and your local community – but you need to know where to find them.

The Public Notice Portal is a free online service allowing people to search public notices by postcode, category or local authority, as well as sign up for email alerts.

From disposals of land and road closures in place for major events, to the latest new openings that have been approved, it means you keep track of what's happening in your corner of Leeds.

Here’s everything you need to know about the free service.

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.

What are some examples of public notices in Leeds?

To let you know what is going on in your area, we check the latest public notices in the city and the surrounding areas every week.

Last week, a new vendor made an application to open at Kirkgate Market. The application requested permission for the sale of alcohol.

Other public notices include the temporary closure of a major Leeds roundabout, a new bowling pavilion in Harehills and new speed humps in Weetwood.

Where can you find them?

As well as checking our website, 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.

Who can post a notice – and how?

Notices on the portal are submitted by the Yorkshire Evening Post and other 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.

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 corner of Leeds would rest entirely with the decision-makers, not the people most affected.

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