ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the shape of the planning system and key aspects of its operation with a particular focus on the areas where the process involved in the design of development, and the architect’s role in its delivery, are most likely to interface with it. In contrast to the zoning- and coding-based planning systems operating in many other countries, the United Kingdom has a highly discretionary planning system. The fundamental basis of this system is the primacy of the development plan. Reduced to its simplest form, the discretionary system requires local planning authorities to prepare local development plans which follow and apply national planning policy in response to local contexts and their planning needs and to determine applications for planning permission in accordance with the development plan. While architects may be involved in working with and advising on these aspects of planning, the majority of architectural activity will be focused on the ‘how’ dimensions.
