How the planning system works and what factors really count.
How you can find out about development proposals - before it's too late.
How to write influential letters of objection that will have an impact on council decisions.
Key factors you should cover in your objections.
10 tips to give your objections greater impact and 8 common mistakes to avoid.
How to plan a campaign successfully and mobilise support.
When and who you must lobby to make your opinion count.
How you can have a say in the outcome of appeals.
How to participate effectively in public inquiries.
What you can do to stop development taking place that doesn't have planning permission.
How to influence development decisions - long before any planning applications are made.
Key facts about the 12 most controversial developments.
What extra protection can be given to special buildings and countryside.
When and how to get help, and where to find it.
100 useful names and addresses.

The planning system determines what can be built, where it is built and what it looks like. It shapes the future development of our towns, villages and communities and governs all physical change within them. People's concern and interest in this area is at an all-time high and yet there is frustration and bitterness among the public because they feel excluded from the process and unable to make their voice heard.

This book, first published in 1994, provides a vital and unusually accessible insight to the myriad complexities of the planning system. It arms the layman with all the information necessary to participate in planning decisions, the appeals process and local plans successfully. The information relates to all development, from a neighbour's extension to a nuclear power station. Each section deals with a different, key aspect of the planning process.

Illustrated with tables, charts and example plans, drawings, letters, forms and documents.

back to the top

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

back to the top

COMMENTS

''This book is essential reading' - The Field

'This book is a little jewel for environmental campaigners' - Earth Matters

'Particularly useful is the practical advice on topics such as preparation of applications, filling in forms, drawings, site inspection, appeals and check lists' - Country Garden and Smallholding

'Unlike a number of other self help books around it does exactly what it says on the cover' - Grassroots Campaigner

'Parish Council recently bought a copy and the Councillors were so impressed they thought they ought to have another one!' - parish clerk

'A detailed guide to the system. Useful' - Permaculture Magazine

'A primer for every individual and organisation that needs to understand the planning system and how best to use it to help to protect their community and environment' - Jonathon Porritt

'Demystifies a complex and daunting subject' - Urban Focus

'An invaluable guide' - Open Space

'Well conceived and structured guide' - Scottish Civic Trust

'The book comprehensively looks at all aspects - a great help to those who wish to influence decisions' - Parish Councillor

'A highly effective aid to de-mystifying the planning process for the layman. Comprehensive and clearly understood' - Parish Clerk

back to the top

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1 THE PLANNING SYSTEM
The system
Factors that influence planning decisions
Planning application decisions
Other development permissions

CHAPTER 2 PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Finding out what is planned
Seeing planning applications
Understanding planning applications
Inspecting the site
Objections
Mobilising support
The decision
Challenging planning decisions
Complaints

CHAPTER 4 DEVELOPMENT
WITHOUT PLANNING PERMISSION
What you can do
What councils can do
Appeals against enforcement
The decision

CHAPTER 5 LOCAL PLANS
Getting involved
Making your objections
Local Plan inquiries
Inspectors' site visits
The decision
Challenging decisions

CHAPTER 6 SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS
Tree Preservation Orders
Green Belts
National Parks
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Conservation Areas
Listed Buildings
Archaeology
Article 4 directions

CHAPTER 7 CONTROVERSIAL DEVELOPMENTS
Agricultural developments
Car repairs
Caravans
Eating, drinking and entertainment
Hostels and residential institutions
Householder developments
Housing
Noisy countryside activities
Quarrying and waste disposal
Roads
Telecommunications
Wind farms

APPENDICES
Appendix I Getting professional help
Appendix II Useful names and addresses
Appendix III Glossary

INDEX

A FINAL WORD FROM THE AUTHORS

back to the top