The Government Department 'Communities and Local Government' determines national policies on different aspects of planning and the rules that govern the operation of the system.

National planning policies are set out in new-style Planning Policy Statements (PPS), which are gradually replacing Planning Policy Guidance notes (PPG).

National policies are also laid out in Minerals Planning Guidance and Policy Statements (MPG/MPS), Marine Minerals Guidance (MMG) and Circulars.

Links to the Planning Portal for access to

• Circulars
• Planning Policy Guidance & Statements (PPG/PPS)
• Regional Planning Guidance & Spatial Strategy (RPG/RSS)
• Minerals Policy & Guidance (MPG/MPS)
• Marine Minerals Guidance (MMG)