Plan-making reform consultation

Local plans, and minerals and waste plans, (referred to here as ‘plans’) are produced by planning authorities (local authorities with responsibility for preparing these plans) to guide and manage development in their areas. They are important documents for local communities because they set the development framework for the area, usually for the next 10 or 15 years. Plans allocate sites for development, set out what land should be protected and contain planning policies, which are the basis for deciding whether to approve planning applications that are subsequently made, including by housing developers and by home owners. Plans direct where new development should be located – including new homes and places to work – and ensure our buildings and places are beautiful and of a high quality. They facilitate the delivery of local infrastructure, such as new schools, health and community facilities, transport, and green infrastructure such as p