Background
Town and Country Planning is the legal and administrative system which aims to resolve and balance the conflicting demands for the use and development of land and buildings. The legal framework consists principally of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (most recently amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004) and the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, together with a range of statutory regulations covering matters such as administrative processes, ‘permitted development rights’ and environmental impact assessments. Where the precise meaning, or application, of the statutes is questioned then the courts are often involved in interpreting the law, adding further to the legal background that has to be taken account of by all local planning authorities.
The government sets out national planning policies and guidance in a range of guidance notes or statements. National Policies have to be taken account of by planning authorities where they are relevant to, for example, the formulation of policy or the determination of an application. All decisions in respect of planning applications are, by law, plan-led. That is they must be determined in accordance with the policies set out in the Development Plan (see section on Planning Policy), unless material considerations, such as national policy, indicate otherwise.
The National Park Authority is the sole local planning authority for the designated park area and therefore has to make decisions on all planning applications within its area (see section on Development Control). It also works closely with neighbouring authorities where there are ‘cross-boundary issues’ or where it objects to a development which is outside the National Park but is likely to have an adverse impact on the special qualities or enjoyment of the area.
Further information about planning can be found on the government's online service for planning at the Planning Portal. You can use the tools and information on this site to find out more about planning and what development you can carry out around your house.