Planning and development
National Parks have the highest level of protection in England and Wales in terms of landscape and scenic beauty. Government policy states that major developments should only occur in National Parks in exceptional circumstances. It is the role of National Park Authorities to prepare planning policies and take planning decisions for their National Park.
CNP monitors, and where appropriate, comments on planning issues that affect National Parks.
CNP is involved in 2 ways:
- Planning policy: this involves seeking changes to planning policy such as national Planning Policy Statements and Local Development Frameworks
- Development control: reviewing individual applications for planning permission
CNP's involvement is dominated by forward planning. We do not get involved in individual development control issues unless these are of major significance to the National Parks.
The planning systrem is set for a change following the publication of the Planning White Paper and the Planning Bill. The most significant changes would be the process for deciding major infrastructure projects such as power stations, airports and wind energy developments, and a new body called the Infrastructure Planning Commission. CNP is concerned about the proposed changes and has joined with other environmental organisations to form Better Planning Coalition (formerly known as the Planning Disaster Coalition) to raise awareness and to campaign for improvements.
To find out more about the planning system in the UK and the protection of National Parks read our Planning and National Parks briefing paper
