Duty to cooperate
Local plans are prepared by local planning authorities. They set out a framework for the future development of an area on a 15-year horizon and are the starting-point for considering whether planning applications should be approved.
The Localism Act 2011 placed a legal ‘duty to cooperate’ on local planning authorities and county councils in England, as well as some public bodies to maximise the effectiveness of local plan and marine plan preparation, including:
- The preparation of development plan documents.
- The preparation of other local development documents.
- The preparation of marine plans.
- Activities that can reasonably be considered to prepare the way for activities within these plans or documents.
- Activities that support activities within these plans or documents.
This includes:
- Considering whether to consult on, prepare, enter into and publish, agreements on joint approaches.
- Considering whether to prepare joint local development documents.
Other public bodies with a duty to cooperate with local planning authorities, county councils and other bodies are prescribed in the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 as amended by The National Treatment Agency (Abolition) and the Health and Social Care Act 2012 (Consequential, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2013:
- Civil Aviation Authority
- Clinical commissioning groups.
- Environment Agency
- Highways authorities.
- Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England (Historic England).
- Homes and Communities Agency.
- Integrated Transport Authorities.
- Marine Management Organisation.
- Mayor of London.
- National Health Service Commissioning Board.
- Natural England.
- Office of Rail Regulation.
- Transport for London.
NB The Planning Officers Society has suggested that the duty to co-operate is causing too many local plans to fail and should be restricted to the strategic stage. (PLANNING FOR A BETTER FUTURE Our planning manifesto for the next government 19 February 2014)
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.