Why It Matters
Think Strategically
Town Centres
Residential Area
Parks and Open Spaces
In practice
Events

Tools for Delivery and Success

The planning system


National planning policy aims to set out clearly where development may take place and the various forms it may take. Communities and Local Government determine policies on different aspects of planning, and on the rules that govern the way the system is operated.
More information on the planning process can be found at www.communities.gov.uk

Planning for town centres


A broad range of advice and guidance is available to help local authorities work effectively within the planning system.

The government has produced a useful reference section on Planning, Building and the Environment, which includes documents on planning policy as well as other information and guidance. It can be viewed at www.communities.gov.uk

The Local Development Framework
is a series of documents that set out the way in which planning for development will be managed in a particular area. For more information on Local Development Frameworks visit www.planninginspectorate.gov.uk.

The Planning Portal website contains a visual introduction to Local Development Frameworks and explains the importance and role of each development document. It can be viewed at www.planningportal.gov.uk

Town centre planning is governed by two key pieces of legislation:


The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 introduced widespread changes to the planning system, set out in the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, including the way in which plans, such as those for town centres, are prepared at local level. For more information visit www.planningportal.gov.uk

The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes Order) 1987 (UCO) introduced changes that provide tighter controls over the use of town centre premises. For more information visit www.planningportal.gov.uk