PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES OF THE PLANNING SYSTEM
Purpose of Planning
Planning is defined as "the control of the use
of land in the public interest."
Public interest is a matter of some
contention, and can often extend far beyond the locality of a
proposal onto a regional, national or even international basis. It
is significant to bear this in mind in dealing with any aspect of
the planning system - from strategic level plans to individual
planning applications -as it influences the way the Council
considers the issues and the matters that can be taken into
account. It is also important because often the issues raised by
the public (especially in the context of planning applications)
frequently relate to private issues in respect of which the
planning system has very little remit.
Central Government has set out what it regards
as matters of public interest in its policy document providing an
overview of the planning system,
Planning Policy Statement 1 : Delivering Sustainable
Development.
This document also re-iterates the purpose of
the system in operating in the public interest and points out that
whilst, on occasion, public interests may co-incide with private
interests. It summarizes the principle as follows:-
"The basic question is not whether owners or
occupiers of neighbouring properties would experience financial or
other loss from a particular development, but whether the proposal
would unacceptably affect amenities and the existing use of land
and buildings which ought to be protected in the public
interest."
Objectives of the planning system
The objectives of the planning system are
summarized in PPS1 and explained in more detail in the series of
Planning Policy Guidance (Planning Policy Statements PPS and their
predecessors, Planning Policy Guidance PPG) addressing a range of
subjects varying from Housing (PPS3) to Development and Flood
Risk (PPS23). Each of these sets out the way in which
individual Councils should undertake their role in the planning
system to achieve the broader objectives set out.
Delivery of the objectives
The objectives explained above are pursued at
local level through the Structure Plan prepared for each County,
Local Plans at District Council level and through the determination
of planning applications. Various requirements within the system
ensure that the plans are compatible with one-another and with
Government policy. In respect of planning applications, there is a
legal requirement that the decisions taken by the relevant Council
must follow the terms of the plans unless factors exist in the
particular case which indicate it would be inappropriate. Within
this framework, therefore, the content of the Structure and Local
Plans is of critical importance and is usually the most influential
factory behind decisions made.
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