Back to Basics

Planning is about the future development and use of land. Decisions are taken at the local level, so planning is normally a matter for councils. The Council's three main planning duties are:

• Preparing development plans;

• Deciding on applications for planning permission; and

• Taking action against development that hasn't been approved.

The Planning System:

• Is there to encourage positive change in our villages, towns and cities while protecting the things that make local areas attractive and special assets such as historic buildings and the countryside

The system balances competing and often conflicting demands to make sure that land is used and developed in everyone's long-term interest.

Involving the public is an important feature of the planning system and councils must do this by law. Two main ways in which people and communities can become involved are:

• Contributing to the preparation of development plans; and

• Commenting on planning applications.

Councils must provide opportunities for public involvement when preparing plans.

Community knowledge about how environments function is invaluable to assisting authorities create successful places that meet residents' needs - ensuring quality through securing the best development in the most appropriate places.