What is the Countryside Agency doing to help deliver sustainable development in rural areas?

Planning in the North West

Natural England's Planning work in the North West aims to promote the principles necessary for the planning system to deliver sustainable development in the countryside.


We encourage regional bodies, local planning authorities and other organisations to incorporate these principles into their plans, policies and decision-making. We achieve our influence through:

  • direct discussion with partners
  • seminars and briefings
  • research and policy development
  • experimental and demonstration projects
  • involvement in selected plans and strategies.