Proposals for land use
Land Use Planning
In the UK the legal framework for land use planning is largely provided by Town and Country Planning legislation, which aims to secure the most efficient and effective use of land in the public interest and to reconcile the competing needs of development and environmental protection. This primary legislation requires the Council to consider every planning application on its own merits and to reach a decision based on whether the application accords with the relevant development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Where applications do not meet these requirements they may be refused. However, in some instances it may be possible to make development proposals acceptable, which might otherwise be unacceptable, through the use of planning conditions or, where this is not possible, through legal agreements securing planning benefits such as affordable housing, highways improvements etc.
The principal objective of the planning system is to deliver sustainable development. The delivery of this objective is guided by the policies and proposals set out in the development documents that comprise the Local Development Framework and controlled by decision-making on individual planning applications. Most forms of development in the UK, including mineral extraction and related activities, require planning permission before development can take place.
Land use planning is the direct responsibility of local authorities in the UK. The Government department responsible for planning is the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). It produces guidance on planning for local planning authorities.
In England, regional assemblies also play a key role in setting out development strategies and monitoring the flow of minerals between regions. The East of England Regional Assembly is independent of Government and represents the regional interests of people living and working in the East of England including Southend on Sea. It exists to promote the economic, social and environmental well-being of the region.