Ensuring that new development meets local criteria in respect of land use, practicality (drainage, parking, access etc.) and environmental considerations.

Councils have the power to designate as Conservation Areas, areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. It is the responsibility of the council to ensure that any new development should be sympathetic to the special architectural and aesthetic qualities of the area, particularly in terms of scale, design, materials and space between buildings. Councils have a statutory obligation to compile a list containing particulars of any area which has been designated as a conservation area which is available for public inspection.

The local authority decides on the use to which local land can be put in accordance with their economic, planning and environmental strategies. Any proposals for change in use of land have to be approved by the local planning department.

The Local Development Framework provides the planning framework for the consideration of planning applications within a local authority area.

The local authority prepares local plans to address conservation and development issues and set out policies on these matters. Local plans provide the basis for making decisions on planning applications.

Every local authority in the country has a legal duty to publish a minerals local plan. The plan should provide detailed development control policies relating to minerals working and the treatment and disposal of waste.

An area can be designated as a neighbourhood planning area at the request of a parish / town council, prospective neighbourhood forum or community organisation following agreement by the local planning authority and consultation with the local community (residential and business if relevant). The relevant organisation prepares a plan or Order which is then independently assessed. A referendum is then conducted and if the plan or order is accepted the local planning authority make the plan or Order.

Spatial development strategies are prepared by an elected Mayor or a Combined Authority. They provide strategic policies for the development and use of land in the area they cover.

Development plans focus on land use development and protection set within the context of wider social, economic and environmental trends and considerations.

A costed and affordable 5-year implementation programme of schemes and policy measures to improve transport in the local area. The plan should contain a set of targets and performance indicators and other outputs which can be used to assess whether the plan is delivering its objectives.

A Waste Local Plan is a statutory plan that addresses the land-use aspects of waste management. It deals with all waste managed in the area including that generated by businesses and the construction industry in addition to that produced by households. In Scotland National Policy Planning Guideline 10 (NPPG 10) establishes that the land use implications of waste management will be addressed by an area's local plan(s) and that policy will incorporate the objectives of the National and Area Waste Strategy.

Aiding urban regeneration by de-regulating the planning process in specific areas. In designated areas a collective scheme grants planning permission for the types of development it specifies within the zone without the need for any individual planning permission. In the UK certain areas are designated as Simplified Planning Zones (SPZs) in which specified development is permitted.