Tables, guides and useful tools

Planning policy documents

'Communities and Local Government' determines national policies on different aspects of planning and the rules that govern the operation of the system.

View government planning policy documents.

Volume Calculator

It is vital to know the volume of a proposed development if you are planning a new building or extending an existing one.

You can use the Planning Portal’s Volume Calculator to determine the area and volume of your works to see if planning permission is required.

Glossary of planning terms:

The glossary covers a variety of issues ranging from new development and regeneration, to conservation and environmental protection.

It also aims to explain new terms and concepts introduced by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, such as Local Development Frameworks and Regional Spatial Strategies.

View a summary of around 500 phrases relating to land use and spatial planning matters.

Useful links:

View a selection of sites from the great number of social, economic, cultural, architectural, environmental and governmental organisations which may be helpful.

Further information

Environment and energy efficiency:

www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs - guide for small businesses on environmental issues, provided by the Environment Agency.

www.carbontrust.co.uk – energy and carbon management advice.

www.defra.gov.uk/environment/waste/brew - '[Business Resource and Efficiency Waste' (BREW) – improving resource efficiency and minimising waste production for businesses. Factsheets on sites/services related to waste reduction, energy savings and so on.

www.dti.gov.uk/sectors/environmental/index.html

www.energysavingtrust.org.uk - Energy Saving Trust - a non-profit organisation funded by Government and the private sector that promotes energy saving.