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Understanding the English Planning System: A Brief Guide

 

The English planning system affects everything from housing development to small home extensions. Whether you're a homeowner, developer, or resident, understanding how planning permission works can save you time, stress, and money.

In this guide, we'll explain:

 

• How the English planning system works

• The common challenges it faces

• What upcoming changes could mean for you

 

How the English Planning System Works

 

The planning system exists to manage development in a way that balances growth with community, and the environment and how it operates:

 

1. National Policy

The UK Government sets overall planning policy through the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). This guides housing supply, sustainability, environmental protection, and heritage.

 

2. Local Plans

Each local council prepares a Local Plan, outlining where development should occur within its area. These plans must align with national policy while also reflecting local priorities, such as housing needs, infrastructure development, and environmental conservation.

 

3. Planning Applications

If you want to build something new or make significant changes to a property, you must apply for planning permission from the local planning authority (LPA). Applications are assessed against both national and regional planning policies.

 

4. Consultation

Councils invite feedback from residents, community groups, and statutory bodies (such as highways, environmental agencies, and heritage organisations). This consultation stage allows the community to have a say.

 

5. Decisions

• Professional planning officers decide most applications.

• Larger or more controversial proposals are referred to a planning committee of elected councillors.

• Refused applications can be appealed to the Planning Inspectorate.

 

Common Challenges in the Planning System

 

The English planning system is often subject to criticism. Some of the main challenges include:

 

• Delays – Many councils face staffing shortages, leading to slow decision-making.

• Housing shortages – England struggles to meet its housing targets, with planning bottlenecks often cited as a key reason for the shortfall.

• Balancing interests – Local concerns (traffic, green spaces, infrastructure) sometimes conflict with the need for more housing and investment.

• Complexity – Planning rules can be challenging to navigate for those unfamiliar with planning law.

 

What Changes Could Mean for You

 

The planning system is under constant review, with reforms regularly proposed by the government. Some potential changes include:

• Faster approvals – Simplifying applications to reduce waiting times.

• Zoning for growth – Identifying areas where development is automatically approved in principle.

• Digital planning systems – Moving towards online, map-based platforms for better transparency.

• Community Input – Adjusting When and How Residents Can Influence Decisions.

 

For homeowners, this could mean a more straightforward process when applying for extensions. For developers, reforms could unlock opportunities to deliver more housing. For residents, changes may alter how communities can engage with local development.

 

Why This Matters

 

The English planning system plays a crucial role in shaping the places where we live, work, and invest. By understanding how it works, you can:

 

• Make more informed applications

• Anticipate challenges in the process

• Have a stronger voice in local development

 

Would you like to learn more or need assistance?

 

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any advice or assistance with an upcoming project or planning proposal, which may require expert guidance in navigating the planning system.

 

Planning Portal to Offer Planning Application Services Across Wales 

 

The Planning Portal Content Team has announced that from Spring 2025, the Planning Portal will begin offering planning application services across Wales, following the closure of Planning Applications Wales.  

The launch of Planning Portal in Wales ensures a seamless continuation of service for applicants while introducing the full suite of Planning Portal features and benefits. 

 

 

The Application Process – What's Changing?

The application experience for users of Planning Applications Wales will remain unchanged. Since the Planning Portal already powers Planning Applications Wales, users will continue to use the same trusted platform to submit applications and make payments, just under new branding. This means there are no new systems to learn and no disruptions to workflow. 

 

 

New Features & Benefits

With the transition to Planning Portal, Welsh applicants will gain access to enhanced tools and features to simplify the application process, including: 

Location Plan Tool – Allowing applicants to generate compliant location plans directly within the application platform, removing the need to purchase plans from third-party providers.

Flexible Payment Options – Introducing consistent payment options across all Welsh authorities, including the ability to nominate a third party (such as a client) to pay for applications.

(March 2025)

 

PAC Consultation

Discover our current and previous PAC consultation (Pre-Application Consultation) projects for 'Major' development projects under the relevant Town and Country Planning Acts. At SGW Planning, we can provide in-depth, tailored PAC-compliant application documents that suit the relevant development sector.

 

Our diverse portfolio spans significant housing developments, industrial complexes, commercial spaces, retail establishments, sports facilities, leisure destinations, tourism ventures, agricultural projects, building plans, listed buildings, and conservation schemes.

 

Explore our consultations and projects for Major development proposals over various development sectors and geographical regions. We can handle the complete PAC process on behalf of clients, including public consultation exercises and web-based consultations, to fulfil the process's requirements.

 

Contact us today for more information about our services and take the first step towards realising your project vision.