The planning system plays an important role in shaping and protecting the quality of our towns, cities and countryside. Over its first 50 years, the system has delivered some important successes. These include: the management of urban growth through green belt policy; conservation of unique, high-quality natural and historic environments; investment in the continued vitality of our town and city centres; and, in partnership with others, the regeneration of many decayed industrial and urban areas.
This report reviews the current performance of local planning authorities. The study uses 53 published planning inspections, of which over 70 per cent relate to the development control function rather than the service as a whole. We also draw on initiatives at a number of authorities that have been visited or contacted by the research team, as well as analysing national data and conducting discussions with relevant stakeholders. This evidence is interpreted in the light of the Government's proposed agenda for reform, expressed in the Planning Green Paper.