Planning constraints
Planning constraints are generally known and published planning policies that might clearly dictate if certain types of developments are acceptable or not in certain areas, such as listed buildings, conservation areas, national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs), greenfield sites, green belt sites and so on.
Known planning constraints are likely to lead simply to a rejection for planning or to certain planning conditions of any future planning application. Whilst planning constraints usually refers to restrictions that are known and published for a certain area, planning conditions rmost likely efers to a specific planning application.
Rather than refusing a planning application, a local authority might grant permission but with certain conditions. These conditions might require additional approvals for specific aspects of a development (such as the colour of materials) or might restrict the use of the site (for example, limiting operating hours).
A planning condition is defined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) as 'a condition imposed on a grant of planning permission (in accordance with the Town and Country Planning Act 1990) or a condition included in a Local Development Order or Neighbourhood Development Order.'
Planning constraints may impact if a development is likely to be permitted, the types, uses, shape and massing or indeed the types of materials that may be used in a development. Planning constraints may also be associated with known planning policies that are restricted under certain conditions, for example, permitted developments.
Permitted development classes may have planning constraints or restrictions placed on them, particularly in certain areas or building types such as listed buildings, conservation areas, national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs), greenfield sites, and green belt sites. In addition, local authorities are able to remove permitted development rights (PDRs) that are of particular significance given the character of an area by issuing an Article 4 Direction.
There may also be conditions on existing permissions preventing certain types of development. In certain cases, even though a development is permitted, prior approval of some issues might be required from the local authority. Such as specific issues relating to agricultural land, such as the purpose, siting and design of agricultural buildings as well as the construction of a private way, the siting of excavation or deposit or the siting and appearance of tanks. Similar issues arise for land used for the purposes of forestry; the erection of plants, machinery, buildings, or structures on land used as a mine; and the demolition of buildings and siting and appearance of telecommunications masts.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Brownfield Passport.
- Concept design report.
- Construction management: feasibility studies.
- Constrained site.
- Constraints on construction projects.
- Construction site.
- Consultation on proposed reforms to NPPF and other changes to the planning system.
- Deemed discharge of planning conditions.
- Design and access statement.
- Development appraisal.
- Discharge of planning conditions.
- Feasibility studies for construction projects.
- Golden rules for the release of land.
- Grey belt.
- Main statutory considerations and constraints.
- National Planning Policy Framework.
- Planning appeal.
- Planning condition.
- Permitted development.
- Planning enforcement.
- Planning fees.
- Planning objection.
- Planning obligation.
- Planning permission.
- RIBA Plan of Work.
- Site information for design and construction.
- The grey, the brown and the golden rules of housing.
- Traditional contract: feasibility studies.
Featured articles and news
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.
Digital technology, transformation and cybersecurity
Supporting SMEs through Digitalisation in Construction.
Villa Wolf in Gubin, history and reconstruction. Book review.
Construction contract awards down one billion pounds
Decline over the past two months compared to the same period last year, follows the positive start to the year.
Editor's broadbrush view on forms of electrical heating in context.