The planning system - Creating better places to live

What is planning?

Planning is about how we plan for, and make decisions about, the future of our cities, towns and countryside. Over the centuries, a formal way of making these decisions was set up.

Your local planning authority is responsible for deciding whether a development - anything from an extension on a house to a new shopping centre - should go ahead.

Local planning authority usually means the district or borough council - not the parish or town council.

The planning system is needed to control development in your area.