Planning can help to encourage sustainable development by influencing new buildings and changes in land use. Planning is about the future development and use of land. Decisions are usually best taken at the local level, so planning is normally a matter for councils. Development plans The development plan is made up of two parts - the structure plan and the local plan. Between them they show how much development may take place, where it will take place and where it is unlikely to be allowed.
Development plans are the basis for decisions on planning applications.
They contain policies for the future development and use of land in an area. Plans can cover a wide range of issues such as housing, transport, employment, shopping, recreation and conserving and protecting the countryside. The structure plan for an area takes a long-term view of development, considering its general scale and broadly where it should be located. Each council will prepare a structure plan either alone or working with neighbouring councils. After there has been wide consultation with the public and other interested people and organisations, the council submits a structure plan to us for approval.