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Planning Home

The planning system

The planning system plays an important role in helping protect the environment in our towns and cities and in the countryside.

In England and Wales, a 'plan-led system' outlines what can be built and where.

'Communities and Local Government' sets out national planning policy, but the main responsibility rests with local planning authorities.

Each local authority must produce a Local Development Framework which outlines how planning will be managed in your area. It is important that individuals and communities get involved when the documents are prepared.

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

Interactive House

 View the interactive house guide

The information about how planning permission might apply to various types of householder projects can be accessed through the Planning Portal's interactive house guide or through the menu on the left.

Planning permission and building regulations

Most new buildings or major changes to existing buildings or to the local environment need consent - known as planning permission.

Obtaining planning permission approval is a separate matter from building regulations approval.

Similarly, receiving any planning permission which your work may require is not the same as taking action to ensure that it complies with the building regulations.

You can learn more about the difference between planning permission and building regulations here.

Health and Safety

If you are carrying out, or having construction or building work done, you may need to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and may have other duties as well under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007).

Appeals

Appeals are dealt with by the Planning Inspectorate.

In this section you will find information on the planning system, how to submit an application online, how to appeal against a decision and how to have your say on development in your area. There is also a glossary of planning related terms and useful links for further information.

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