Planning
Our positive planning programme is developing innovative planning principles, policy advice and practical tools which can help deliver sustainable development in the countryside. We work to influence government departments, regional planning bodies, local authorities and other organisations to take on board our advice and techniques
Planning principles
Planning principles can respond effectively to the challenges the countryside faces only when they are set within a positive vision for the future. Read the Planning Policy Statement here.
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Our tools and techniques for positive planning
We have developed a number of tools and techniques to help with the planning and management of countryside.
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Our consultation responses
See our responses to planning and transport consultation documents
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Our demonstration projects
We are supporting a range of new demonstration projects with local planning authorities to develop and show how our positive planning principles can be put into practice for the countryside and rural communities.
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Our work on transport
Our work on transport is also part of planning.
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Positive planning with communities
Communities have an important role in the planning process to ensure that the right kind of development meets local needs and helps to achieve sustainable development. Communities can help set out their futures and work in partnership with planning policy makers through new community planning processes and through community based ‘plans’.
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Sustainable design and construction
We are investigating how to best promote sustainable design concepts and construction techniques in rural areas that respects local character and is modern and innovative. We are calling this a 'new vernacular' for the countryside.
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Strategic Environmental Assessment
Are you consulting Natural England on Strategic Environmental Assessment? See our service standards...
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Our research work
As well as addressing a range of cross-cutting rural planning issues we have also determined particular priorities in which we are undertaking research and preparing guidance and advice.
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Planning for sustainable rural economic development
A wide range of business and economic activities can be located in rural areas and many rural economies are already very diverse. As no two rural areas are truly alike there can be no ‘one size fits all’ approach to rural economic development. Policies must, instead, be tailored to local circumstances.
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