Planning and Policy
Planning decisions can have a great impact on wildlife. New developments can bring both opportunities and threats to the places, plants and animals that are important to us.
The purpose of planning is to manage changes in how we use land. Planning aims to ensure that the right kind of development occurs in the right place and that this is balanced with the protection of the environment. The planning system was set up by government through Acts of Parliament and planning is implemented by local planning authorities (which in most cases is the local councils).
Most people first encounter planning when they want to make a planning application or they are concerned about a planning application being made near them. The decision as to whether or not to give planning permission is made by the local planning authority and is based on planning policies.
These web pages give a brief introduction to planning and explains what the Trust’s involvement in planning is. We also include guidance as to how you can have your say by getting involved yourself. Everyone can comment on a planning application and comment on the policies that influence planning decisions.
