Planning

The Planning Acts control the use of land, the size and appearance of new buildings, their impact on neighbours and (if the building is listed), the internal appearance of the building.

Town Planning is about organising the way land and buildings are used so that as many people as possible, including generations to come, benefit.  Councils are required to prepare 'development plans' which are then used to guide development planning decisions about whether or not new uses and buildings are allowed.