The Planning System that Operates in England

2209 Words5 Pages

The Planning System that Operates in England On researching the planning system that operates in England, it is evident that it is a very complex structure. This planning system is currently going through radical reform, with the government promoting the benefits that this will bring. However, many activist groups are sceptical and openly object to the new structural reforms. 'The planning system is effectively becoming a three tier system, operating at a central government, a regional and a local level', (College of Estate Management). At central government level planning issues are dealt with by the government office, with the Secretary of State, Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) presiding. For most matters, powers are left in the hands of the local councils, with day-to-day planning control sanctioned by the district or unitary councils, the Local Planning Authorities (LPA). The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the subsequent Planning and Compensation Act 1991 contain details of how the planning system should operate in England, (plan led). Development plans are at the heart of the system; these plans aim to give a measure of certainty and predictability. Development plans, reviewed typically every five to ten years, inform developers and residents how the LPA sees its area changing or not within that period. Although intended to have a degree of permanence, the plan can be amended or schemes, which do not accord with it, approved. Section 54A of the 1990 Act requires that, 'where the development plan contains relevant policies, applications for development, which is in accordance with... ... middle of paper ... ...elopment Agencies (RDAs) http://www.parliament.uk 2. Back to the Future in the Reform of Planning http://www.thepolitician.org/politician/article_013.html 3. New localism or new centralism? Planning and the regions. www.lga.gov.uk Suggested further reading 'Town and country planning in the UK'. Cullingworth & Nadin. Page 100, figure 4.4. 'The planning policy frame work in England'. 'How to under stand the new planning system'. www.foe.co.uk/resource/local/planning. Planning Policy Statements 11& 12 www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_control/documents/contentservertemplate/odpm_index.hcst?n=2513&l=1 www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_planning/ documents/page/odpm_plan_605841.pdf www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_planning/ documents/source/odpm_plan_source_605857.doc

Open Document