A PAS definition of planning 

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A PAS definition of the planning system (03/10)

What do you mean by "planning"?

Terms such as 'planning', 'the planning system' and 'planning process' are about deciding how land is used in towns, cities and the countryside.

This includes a wide range of things such as home extensions, micro renewable projects, building schools, shopping centres, roads, skate parks, new towns and windfarms to protecting public open spaces like playing fields, leisure centres and listed buildings. These activities in the ‘built environment’ are known as 'development' and often require planning permission.

Planning decides where development should happen, where it shouldn't and how it affects and fits into its surroundings. The planning system is essential for economic growth, in protecting the environment and promoting sustainability and also improving quality of life for all of us.

Decisions about planning applications are based on the 'development plan', prepared by each of the 34 local councils or national park authorities (aka the 'planning authority'). The planning system aims to balance competing demands so that land is used in the public long-term interest.

Scotland has recently gone through the biggest reform to its planning system for 60 years, with a strong emphasis on involving people and the community.