Welland Planning Service |
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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 Guidance 1 : General Policy and Principles." 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 PPG1 and explained in more detail in the series of Planning Policy Guidance addressing a range of subjects varying from Housing (PPG3) to Coastal Planning (PPG20). 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. |
