About the planning process

We have attached below links to some helpful (external) websites and documents that explain what the planning process is for and how some of the more technical parts are interpreted.

The list is not exhaustive but may help guide you through the process of commenting on or making a planning application.

Planning Aid (England)

• Offers free, independent, professional advice on planning issues

Plain English guide to the planning system

• This guide explains how the planning system in England works. It is intended to give an overview only and does not set out new planning policy or guidance. We have done our best to ensure that the information in this guide is correct as of January 2015. It is possible that some of the information is oversimplified, or may become inaccurate over time, for example, because of changes to the law.

The Planning Portal

• Planning practice guidance is now available entirely online in a usable and accessible way. Important information for any user of the planning system previously only published in separate documents can now be found quickly and simply. You can link easily between the National Planning Policy Framework and relevant planning practice guidance, as well as between different categories of guidance.

National Planning Policy Framework

• The National Planning Policy Framework seeks to make the planning system less complex and more accessible. It simplifies the number of policy pages about planning. The planning practice guidance (link above) to support the framework is published online and regularly updated. The framework acts as guidance both in drawing up plans and making decisions about planning applications.

Supplementary Guidance/Policy issued by Coventry

• This is often brought in after public consultation and can include; design guides, Area development briefs and supplements/policies of the adopted 2001 Coventry Development Plan.