Government policies

The Government's 'Communities and Local Government' department determines national policies on different aspects of planning and the rules that govern the operation of the system.

Government planning policies do not have the formal backing of law, but they are considered material consideration and must be taken into account when an authority is making a decision on a planning application.

Planning Policy Statements
(Formerly Planning Policy Guidance Notes)
National planning policies are set out in new-style Planning Policy Statements (PPS), which are gradually replacing Planning Policy Guidance Notes (PPG).
PPS & PPG

Regional Spatial Strategies
(Formerly Regional Planning Guidance)
Regional planning policies are set out in new-style Regional Spatial Strategies (RSS), which are gradually replacing Regional Planning Guidance (RPG).
RSS & RPG

Minerals Policy Statements
(Formerly Minerals Planning Guidance Notes)
National policies are also laid out in new-style Minerals Policy Statements (MPS), which are gradually replacing Minerals Planning Guidance Notes (MPG).
MPS & MPG

Planning Circulars
National policies can also be found in Planning Circulars.
Circulars

Sustainable Development
The Government has published a new sustainable development strategy, Securing the Future. This is the principle statement on how the Government intends to improve the quality of life and meet the needs of present and future generations. It includes a new definition, guiding principles and indicators for sustainable development. It includes commitments on improving the environmental performance of built development. As a statement of Government policy it can be a material consideration in planning and can be quoted in comments on planning applications and to draft plans.
The strategy, on the Sustainable Development Unit's website