How to Search the CBA Planning Casework Database

The CBA Planning Casework Database at casework.jcnas.org.uk has a Quick search box on its welcome page — that is the fastest way to start. Type your term into that box and run the search. A Login option sits alongside it, so some parts of the service may sit behind an account; the site itself does not state what login unlocks, so treat any extra features as unconfirmed until you sign in.

What the database is

The Historic Environment Casework Database is an online service run by the Council for British Archaeology on behalf of the Joint Committee of the National Amenity Societies (JCNAS). It holds information about planning proposals that the JCNAS has received for comment. If your question is about a specific planning proposal that went to the national amenity societies, this is the right place to look.

Searching: the basic steps

1. Open casework.jcnas.org.uk.
2. Find the Quick search box on the welcome page (it is one of the main elements listed in the page navigation, alongside Login).
3. Enter your search term — for example a site name, a street, a town, or a reference you already have.
4. Submit the search and review the results.
5. If you need to narrow or widen the results, adjust the term rather than assuming there is an advanced-search screen; the public page only advertises Quick search.

Expected result: a set of records relating to planning proposals received by the JCNAS for comment. If nothing comes back, try a shorter or differently spelled version of the term before concluding the record does not exist.

Login and what it may change

The welcome page lists Login as a distinct element next to Quick search. That tells you an account system exists, but the public page does not describe which functions require it. Practical approach: run your Quick search first, and only pursue login if the results you need are gated or if you want to track or revisit your work. Do not assume the database is fully open just because Quick search is visible.

Before you rely on anything you find

The site asks users to refer to its Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy when using the service. Read those if you plan to reuse or cite records — they govern how the data may be used.

When a query goes wrong

If you have queries about the service, the welcome page directs you to contact us (the contact route linked from that page). Use it for problems such as:

• A search that returns nothing for a proposal you know was submitted.
• A record that looks incomplete or mismatched.
• Questions about access, accounts, or permitted use of the data.

Include the search term you used and any reference numbers you have, so the query can be traced.

Quick reference