A body designated by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, established for the purpose of creating or improving the conditions for economic growth in an area.

The plan for the future development of the local area, drawn up by the local planning authority in consultation with the community and subject to an examination before an independent Planning Inspector. These set planning policies for the area as well as allocating land for development or protection. A Local Plan is part of the development plan for an area.

The local authority or council that is empowered by law to exercise planning functions, often the local borough or district council. National Parks and the Broads authority are also local planning authorities. County councils are the authority for waste and minerals matters as well as the Highways Authority.

A matter that should be taken into account in deciding a planning application or on an appeal against a planning decision.

The statutory purposes of national parks are to conserve and enhance their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage and to promote opportunities for public understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities. National parks are designated by Natural England, subject to confirmation by the Secretary of State under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

national planning framework

Designed to consolidate all policy statements (except National Policy Statements referring to Nationally Strategic Infrastructure Projects). This provides a national policy overview that is implemented in Development Plans and can be found here.

national spatial strategy

A neighbourhood planning tool that allows communities to essentially grant planning permission for a specific form of development either on a specific site or over a wider area. The process is subject to independent examination and a community referendum as per a neighbourhood plan.

A plan prepared by a Parish or Town Council or a Neighbourhood Forum for a particular neighbourhood area (made under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004). The plan can set out land use planning policies and the allocation of land provided they are in conformity with strategic policies of the local plan and have regard to national policy and guidance. The process is subject to independent examination and a community referendum.