Communities and Local Government

• Planning, building and the environment
• Planning
• Planning Policy & Guidance
• Planning circulars and letters
• Planning circulars

Planning circulars

These documents provide non-statutory advice and guidance on particular issues to expand on subjects referred to in legislation.

Circulars are used to explain policy and regulation more fully. Many circulars are quasi-legislative and include a direction or requirement to take specific action or provide guidance on implementation of aspects of planning policy.

Related publications

• Circular 04/08: Planning-related Fees

  • Published: 9 April 2008
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 02/08: Standard Application Form and Validation

  • Published: 12 March 2008
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 01/08: The Compulsory Purchase (Inquiries Procedure) Rules 2007

  • Published: 15 January 2008
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 04/07: Planning for Travelling Showpeople

  • Published: 21 August 2007
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 03/07: Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007

  • Published: 29 March 2007
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 01/07: Revisions to Principles of Selection for Listed Buildings

  • Published: 8 March 2007
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 04/06 (Communities and Local Government): The Town and Country Planning (Flooding) (England) Direction 2007

  • Published: 7 December 2006
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 04/06 (ODPM): Planning Inquiries Into Major Infrastructure Projects: Economic Impact Reports

  • Published: 23 March 2006
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 02/06 (Communities and Local Government): Crown Application of the Planning Acts

  • Published: 7 June 2006
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 02/06 (ODPM): Changes to Planning Regulations for Casinos

  • Published: 10 March 2006
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 01/06 (Communities and Local Government): Guidance on Changes to the Development Control System

  • Published: 12 June 2006
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 01/06 (ODPM): Planning for Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Sites

  • Published: 2 February 2006
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 11/05: The Town and Country Planning (Green Belt) Direction 2005

  • Published: 5 December 2005
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 10/05: Permitted Development Rights for Antennas

  • Published: 25 November 2005
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 09/05: Arrangements For Handling Heritage Applications - Notification To National Amenity Societies Direction 2005

  • Published: 6 October 2005
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 08/05: Guidance on Changes to the Development Control System

  • Published: 24 August 2005
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 07/05: Planning Inquiries into Major Infrastructure Projects Procedures

  • Published: 24 August 2005
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 06/05: Biodiversity and Geographical Conservation - Statutory Obligations and Their Impact Within the Planning System

  • Published: 16 August 2005
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 05/05: Planning Obligations

  • Published: 18 July 2005
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 03/05: Changes Of Use Of Buildings And Land - The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987

  • Published: 21 March 2005
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 02/05: Temporary Stop Notice

  • Published: 7 March 2005
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 06/04: Compulsory Purchase and The Crichel Down Rules

  • Published: 31 October 2004
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 06/03: Local Government Act 1972 General Disposal Consent (England) 2003 - disposal of land for less than the best consideration that can reasonably be obtained

  • Published: 4 August 2003
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 02/03: Compulsory Purchase Orders

  • Published: 26 February 2003
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 02/02: (ODPM): Enforcement appeals procedure

  • Published: 1 November 2002
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 02/02 (DTLR): Planning inquiries into major infrastructure projects

  • Published: 13 May 2002
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 01/01: Arrangements for handling heritage applications - notification and directions by the Secretary of State

  • Published: 18 January 2001
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 05/00: Planning appeals procedures (including inquiries into called-in planning applications)

  • Published: 28 June 2000
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 04/00: Planning controls for hazardous substances

  • Published: 8 May 2000
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 07/99: The Town and Country Planning (Development Plans and Consultation) (Departures) Direction 1999

  • Published: 23 August 1999
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 03/99: Planning requirement in respect of the Use of Non-Mains Sewerage incorporating Septic Tanks in New Development

  • Published: 1 April 1999
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 02/99: Environmental impact assessment

  • Published: 12 March 1999
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 09/98: Town and Country Planning (playing fields) (England) Direction 1998

  • Published: 21 December 1998
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 10/97: Enforcing planning control: legislative provisions and procedural requirements

  • Published: 31 July 1997
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 11/95: Use of conditions in planning permission

  • Published: 20 July 1995
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 15/93: Town and Country Planning (Shopping Development) (England and Wales) (No 2) Direction 1993

  • Published: 9 November 1993
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment

• Circular 15/92: Publicity for Planning Applications

  • Published: 5 June 1992
  • Site: Planning, building and the environment