The Lancashire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England

The Planning System

Which development plans are used in the UK?

Regional Planning Guidance (RPG)

Issued by the Secretary of State for the Environment RPG is drafted from a regional policy statement prepared by a forum of local authorities. The public have a non-statutory right to express views during the preparation of the draft statement. The draft is submitted to the Secretary of State for approval. The RPG is issued and comments are invited. This is the second opportunity for public consultation. There is however no obligation for either local authorities or central government to give reasons for their proposals or decisions, nor any opportunity for a public inquiry.

Structure Plans and Unitary Development Plans (UDP)

There are extensive statutory procedures for Structure Plans (county areas) and Part 1 of the Unitary Development Plans (metropolitan areas). The five main formal opportunities for comments are:

consultation on the preparation of the draft plan
when the plan is placed ‘on deposit’
at the Examination in Public (invited participants only)
on the proposed modifications
when a notice of intention to adopt the plan is issued

There are also informal opportunities at any time to approach local authority officers and councillors

Local Plans

The Structure Plan (or Part 1 of the UDP) is translated into more detailed Local Plans which are prepared by the District or Borough Councils. The Local Plan is the single most important consideration in deciding whether development proposals will receive planning permission. Local Plans can be influenced at the draft stage, when the plan is issued for public consultation, again when the revised version is placed ‘on deposit’ and most importantly at the public local enquiry. Advance notice should be given, in writing, for a representation at the public local enquiry, preferably when submitting comments on the deposited plan.

How do I find out about planned developments?

The local planning authority must keep a public register of planning applications. The register will be kept at the principal office but some district councils automatically receive copies of planning applications in their area. Planning applications must be publicised in one of three ways:

notice in a local newspaper
posting a notice at the site visible to passers-by
notifying neighbours of adjoining properties

How much time do I have to comment?

Objections or comments should be made in writing to the planning authority within 14 days from a newspaper advertisement or 21 days from a site notice. Objections to an application should indicate action that could be taken to quell these objections or reasons why planning permission should be refused

What other action could I take?

Visit the local planning authority to look at the planning application and look at the Local Plan to assess if it is compatible.
Visit the site of the proposed development.
Send councillors, especially those on the planning committee, a copy of your letter or write to them personally airing your comments or objections.

What procedure must be followed with a planning application?

Planning law in the UK is characterised by a presumption in favour of development. A local planning authority has 8 weeks in which to determine an application or 16 weeks in cases where an environmental impact assessment is required. If an application is refused, reasons must be given and an appeal may be lodged. An applicant has 6 months exactly to appeal a planning refusal.

Other Information

Town and Country Planning Act 1990

Planning and Compensation Act 1991

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