changes in the law

The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, has passed through the United Kingdom Parliament. It is gradually changing some aspects of the planning system in England. Planning Policy Guidance notes (PPG) are becoming more precise and concise Planning Policy Statements (PPS). The Lancashire Structure Plan and Part I of Unitary Development Plans in Greater Manchester and Merseyside may be abolished. Their functions will be subsumed into Regional Planning Guidance (RPG), which will become statutory Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). Local Strategic Frameworks (LSF) will replace Local Plans and Part II of Unitary Development Plans (UDP), and will have an appended list of Action Plans dealing with particular issues. The new Act will take some years to come fully into effect. For more detail see the "planning" section of the website of the Department for Communities & Local Government