The word planning is used to describe a process that shapes our physical environment

Planning is about trying to achieve a balance between protecting and improving the existing natural and built environment and managing development to make sure it improves the economic and social health of a community.

Within England, planning laws and policies are established by central government. These laws and policies create a national planning framework. 

Local government organisations (councils) manage the planning process at a local level. These councils are given the title of Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) and they are responsible for providing local planning services. They work within the national framework set down by central government.

Guildford Borough Council is the borough's local planning authority.  This means that we are responsible for making decisions on all planning applications for development in Guildford. We are also responsible for controlling the quality and safety of building work within the borough.

Our main role as your LPA is to promote, encourage and manage good planning practice in the borough.  A very important part of our service is to make sure we consider the needs of the many individuals, groups and organisations who use our services.