For planning purposes, the United Kingdom is an increasingly federalised country.

The UK government is responsible for delivering its international and European Union obligations (for example by ensuring that there are systems of environmental impact assessment for major projects and strategic environmental assessment for new policies and plans).  However, there is no overarching UK-wide planning legislation that does this. Individual nations have their own planning systems and legislation. The English and Welsh systems are defined by legislation passed in the UK parliament.  Wales has the power to change planning policies and regulations and, through a new power to make 'Assembly Measures' in the Welsh Assembly, to initiate elements of primary legislation for planning.  Scotland's planning legislation is enacted by the Scottish Parliament.  Northern Ireland's has historically been made by executive order but, following devolution to the Northern Ireland Assembly will be developed by that body.

For more detail see:

• England
• Scotland
• Cymru - Wales
• Northern Ireland

Author:

Rynd Smith

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

03-Jul-09

Categories:

 

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