National Planning Guidance

Hart District planning policy works within, and takes account of, the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, the new Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) and the previous Planning Policy Guidance (PPGs) produced by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) which has jurisdiction for planning matters (formerly the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister - ODPM).

Of particular relevance in producing Local Development Frameworks are: PPS12 Local Development Frameworks, which sets the process requirements in undertaking LDFs; and PPS1 Creating Sustainable Communities which outlines the National Planning Policy on the various aspects of land-use planning to help deliver sustainable development.  

Sustainable development is the core principle underpinning national planning policy. At the heart of sustainable development is the simple idea of ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and for future generations. A widely used definition was drawn up by the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987: "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

Planning Policy Statements need to be taken into account by regional planning bodies in the preparation of regional spatial strategies and by local planning authorities in the preparation of local development documents. They may also be material to decisions on individual planning applications.

Further information on the national planning guidance can be found at the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) planning policy website.