National Planning is carried out by the Communities and Local Government (CLG) Government Department, and provides the basis for planning in this country, by means of:
- Legislation
- Regulations, and
- Guidance
The British planning system is founded on a system of development control and the need to receive planning permission for most changes of the use of land or buildings. Decisions on development control are guided by Development Plans which have been prepared and consulted on for local authority or other areas.
Legislation
Current planning legislation in the form of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 has enabled the overhaul of the Development Plan system, with the replacement of Local Plans and Structure Plans with Local Development Frameworks and Regional Spatial Strategies. The Planning Act 2008 is now streamlining the provision of nationally important infrastructure schemes, such as power and pipelines.
Regulations
Planning regulations are issued periodically to supplement legislation.
Guidance
Former Planning Policy Guidance Notes (PPGs) issued by CLG on a wide variety of subjects, such as housing, green belts, transport, pollution, the rural economy, noise and flooding, are being updated and replaced by Planning Policy Statements (PPSs). These give assistance on preparing plans and proposals. CLG also publishes a variety of “Good Practice” reports giving further guidance. More recently, National Policy Statements have also been issued for infrastructure projects.