Planning is the system by which the use and development of land are managed for the benefit of the community.  The overall aim of the system is to ensure there is a balance between allowing development to take place, and protecting/conserving the environment and local amenities.

People are often negative about the planning system as the system can appear complicated and full of jargon.  Changes are being made to enable communities to fully engage in planning processes including the preparations of places and decisions on planning applications.