Government Policy and Guidance
IN THIS ARTICLE
- How we make our planning decisions
- Examples of building projects
- The Government's laws and orders
We set our own local planning policies through our Local Plan.
However, this plan, as well as how we decide on planning applications, has to be in line with Government policies.
Where permission is needed the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is the main document that influences the decision on any application.
The document should be read as a whole as it gives an overview of what the planning system is trying to achieve.
There is also the Planning Practice Guidance that provides more detail on subjects such as:
- Design
- Flood risk and coastal change
- Land affected by contamination
- Travel Plans, Transport Assessments and Statements
The General Permitted Development Order 2015 (GPDO) sets out building projects that can be started without the need for planning permission.
A simple interactive visual guide gives examples of these types of projects.
Central Government also sets Acts of law and Orders of Parliament. These form the legal basis of the planning system.
Key Acts
- The Town & Country Planning Act 1990
- The Planning Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas Act 1990
- The Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004
- The Localism Act 2011
- Other Acts
Key Orders
Consultation on proposed Government changes to the planning system are found through their published papers which anyone can comment on in order to try and influence the changes before they are made.
Once the consultation responses have been considered, the Government will go on to make any further announcements including the final published changes.
What to do now?
Apply
If you are unsure if you need planning permission or you want to check if your building project would be a permitted development.
Submit a Certificate of Lawfulness
If you know you need planning permission, but would like specific advice.
If you know you need planning permission, but don't want specific advice.
If you want to apply for Building Control approval.
