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Introduction

Acknowledgements

Crown Copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen’s Printer for Scotland

Introduction to Subject

The Planning system controls development in an area, ie what can be built and where. It aims to ensure that people have decent affordable homes in well-designed, accessible environments. It also aims to protect the countryside and environment in general.

Building Regulations set standards for the design and construction of buildings, mainly to ensure the safety and health of people in or around those buildings, but also for energy conservation and access to and around buildings.

Government departments shape national Planning policy and part of their role is to protect and enhance the environment and tackle climate change. They also aim to get communities more involved and encourage more public participation. They also produce guidance for both the Planning and Building Control systems.

Local Authorities prepare strategies and development plans for their area, following this national policy. They deal with the applications for Planning Permission and for Building Regulation approval.

The Planning Inspectorate deals with appeals against refusal of Planning Permission. See the Additional Resources section for a link to their website.

Greater detail on the Planning and Building Regulation systems in England can be found on the CLG website, and the Welsh Assembly site. Perhaps the best source of information for both England and Wales is the Planning Portal. It includes advice on planning permission, online applications and guidance on how the system works.

There is a very useful interative guide to what permissions may be required for different works to your house.

See the Additional Resources section for links to these sites.

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Introduction

Acknowledgements

Introduction to Subject

Legislation