The planning system
Major changes to the planning system were introduced by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The new system is meant to provide a simpler and more efficient service with greater community involvement. Follow the links on this page to find out more.
- National planning policy
- An overview of planning in England, with links to information from the government.
- Regional planning policy
- Under the 2004 Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, existing regional planning guidance has been replaced by regional spatial strategies (RSS). Find out about the RSS for the South East.
- Sub-regional planning policy
- Under the new system, sub-regional policies previously contained in structure plans will be provided mainly within the regional spatial strategy (RSS).
- Local planning policy
- Under the new system, local plans are being replaced by local development frameworks (LDFs) and waste and minerals development frameworks (WMDFs).
- Changeover arrangements
- Find out about the arrangements that have been put in place to help the move to the new planning system.
- Development plans
- Development plans set out the planning policies for the future development and conservation of an area.
