Land Use Proposals

Parliament makes laws and sets out the legal framework for the planning system in England and Wales.  The primary legislation for the planning system is the Planning and Compulsory Act 2004 accompanied by other legislation such as the General Permitted Development Order 1995, the Use Classes Order 1987 (both as amended) and a range of statutory instruments.

However, while Parliament makes the law the Courts have to interpret the legislation. Courts may be required to make judgements on planning matters and as a consequence case law has resulted.  When determining planning systems, local authorities have to take into account primary legislation and case law, as well as the Local Plan.

The government administers the planning system. They can:

• issue guidance to local councils via national and regional planning guidance
• set planning policy via Circulars, Planning Policy Guidance notes and Planning Policy Statements
• make decisions on planning appeals and major planning applications via the Planning Inspectorate

Different tiers of local government are involved in planning in Hertfordshire: the East of England Regional Assembly (EERA), Hertfordshire County Council and Welwyn Hatfield Council.

Please contact us for further information.