Local planning authority
The local planning authority is usually the planning department of the district or borough council.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) defines a local planning authority as, 'the public authority whose duty it is to carry out specific planning functions for a particular area. All references to local planning authority apply to the district council, London borough council, county council, Broads Authority, National Park Authority and the Greater London Authority, to the extent appropriate to their responsibilities.'
The planning portal provides a service enabling people to find out who their local planning authority is: Find a local planning authority.
Very broadly, the responsibilities of the local planning authority include;
- Producing a local plan: This is a framework for the future development of an area defining strategic policies, the framework for neighbourhood plans, land allocations, infrastructure requirements housing needs, requirements for safeguarding the environment, measures for adapting to climate change and so on. (See Local plan). Local plans are also the starting-point for considering whether planning applications should be approved. The framework states that If a plan is absent, silent or out of date, permission should be granted, unless there are significant and demonstrable reasons not to grant permission.
- Determining planning applications. Decisions about straight-forward applications will be made under powers delegated to planning officers. More significant or contentious applications will be decided by a planning committee, made up of local councillors. In determining planning applications the local planning authority will consult with the local community, statutory consultees and non-statutory consultees.
- Supporting neighbourhood planning.
The National Planning Policy Framework requires that plan making and decision taking:
- 'Should be genuinely plan-led.
- Should be a creative exercise, not just one of scrutiny.
- Should be proactive in driving and supporting sustainable development.
- Should seek and secure high quality.
- Should take account of the diverse character of different areas.
- Should support the transition to a climate-resilient, low-carbon economy.
- Should contribute to conserving and enhancing the natural environment and reducing pollution.
- Should encourage the use of brownfield land.
- Should encourage mixed-use development.
- Should conserve heritage.
- Should maximise the use of public transport, walking and cycling.
- Should support health, social and cultural wellbeing.'
Local planning authorities can be placed under special measures if they fail to determine 70% or more of the major applications they handle within 13 weeks (applications for 10 homes or more, or the equivalent commercial floorspace), or if more than 20% of major applications decisions are overturned on appeal.
Local planning authorities under special measures will have applications determined by the planning inspectorate and will lose a proportion of the application fee. Special measures designation will be reviewed annually to allow improving authorities to regain their determination powers.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Delegated powers.
- Government departments responsibility for construction.
- Enforcement notice.
- Local authority.
- Local government.
- Local plan.
- National Planning Policy Framework.
- Neighbourhood planning.
- Planning authority.
- Planning permission.
- Public authority.
- Public building.
- STBA report to provide blueprint for post-COVID recovery.
- Stop notice.
- Temporary stop notice.
- Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Comments
To start a discussion about this article, click 'Add a comment' above and add your thoughts to this discussion page.