LIBRARY // ACCURATE MODELLING AND RESEARCH

Researching Planning Policy for a Project

Planning policy shapes what's likely to be acceptable on a site. Reading it early avoids designing the wrong scheme.

Planning decisions are made against planning policy. Understanding which policies apply, and how they're likely to be interpreted, helps Architects shape proposals that have a good chance of approval. Policy research is a key early task.

Levels of policy

In England, for example, policy comes from several levels:

• National: the National Planning Policy Framework and national guidance
• Regional or strategic: such as the London Plan in London
• Local: local plans adopted by the planning authority
• Neighbourhood: neighbourhood plans, where they exist
• Supplementary: design guides, supplementary planning documents and conservation area appraisals

Other regions and countries have their own frameworks.

Finding policies

Planning authority websites publish adopted plans, guidance and policy maps. Policy maps show designations, such as conservation areas, green belt or site allocations.

Site allocations

Some sites are allocated in local plans for specific uses or amounts of development. Allocations can set requirements, such as housing numbers or design principles.

Design guidance

Design codes, design guides and character appraisals describe expectations for design. They're increasingly important in planning decisions.

Heritage policies

If the site affects heritage assets, heritage policies and guidance apply. Conservation area appraisals and listing descriptions help explain significance.

Environmental policies

Policies may cover sustainability, energy, biodiversity, flood risk and air quality. These can set specific requirements for new developments.

Housing policies

Residential projects may need to meet policies on affordable housing, housing mix, space standards and accessible housing.

Emerging policy

Plans under preparation may carry some weight. Check the status of emerging policies.

Interpreting policy

Policies are often open to interpretation. Appeal decisions, officer reports and pre-application advice show how they've been applied.

Summarising findings

Prepare a short policy summary listing relevant policies, their requirements and how the proposal will respond.

Pre-application advice

Many authorities offer pre-application advice. It can clarify how policies apply before a full application.

Outside England

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own national planning policies. In the US, zoning ordinances and comprehensive plans serve similar roles, and in the UAE, master plans and planning regulations apply.

1. 01Levels of policy
2. 02Finding policies
3. 03Site allocations
4. 04Design guidance
5. 05Heritage policies
6. 06Environmental policies

Keep a policy log

Thorough policy research helps proposals respond to what decision-makers are looking for.

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