At times the planning system can feel like something of a lottery, with seemingly arbitrary decisions being made on each planning application. However, despite appearances, there is a strict process that councils should follow when applications are decided.

Planning is essentially an exercise of comparing the benefits of a proposed development with the harm it would cause. Very rarely are developments entirely without harm, or entirely without benefit.

The starting point for deciding any planning application is the development plan. The development plan is the set of documents that outlines a council’s aspirations for development in its area over a particular period of time. It can include documents like a Local Plan, Core Strategy and Proposals Map.

Material Considerations are essentially all the factors that need to be taken into account beyond what the development plan says. This might include site specific factors such as the loss of trees or traffic problems. It could also include more general matters such as other appeal decisions or relevant case law.

Click here to read PFK's guide to how planning decisions are made.