About the Planning System

The public can play an active role in the planning system by having a say in decisions affecting them and their communities.

The main ways you can get involved are:

• Having your say during public consultation periods for Local Development Frameworks
• Having your say on planning applications affecting your community.

You can also report planning control breaches to your Local Planning Authority (LPA) and comment on planning-related appeals.

Find out more about having your say¹.

If you need advice you should contact the staff at the relevant LPA as they are there to help, most of them are planners so they care about creating better places for us to live.

Find your local planning authority ^{(https://www.planningportal.co.uk/find-your-local-planning-authority)}

You can also get help and support from:

• Planning Aid² – a charity set up by planners to offer free and unbiased advice
• Professional advice – e.g. a qualified planning agent or consultant. You can find accredited planning consultants and builders in your local area on our Find a trade professional³ page
• Your local councillor or Member of Parliament
• The Local Government Ombudsman⁴ – if you feel that your LPA has made a mistake in its decision-making process.

1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/having-your-say
2. https://www.rtpi.org.uk/planning-aid/
3. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/planning/planning-applications/find-a-trade-professional
4. https://www.lgo.org.uk/