Town and Country Planning Act 1990

Miscellaneous and general provisions E+W

F1 326 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 326 repealed (25.9.1991) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), ss. 31, 84(6), Sch. 6 para. 35, Sch. 19 Pt. II (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2067, art.3 (subject to art. 4)

F2 327 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W

Textual Amendments

F2 S. 327 repealed (25.9.1991) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), ss. 31, 84(6), Sch. 6 para. 36, Sch. 19 Pt.II(with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2067, art.3 (subject to art. 4)

[F3 327A Applications: compliance with requirements E+W

(1) This section applies to any application in respect of which this Act or any provision made under it imposes a requirement as to—

(a) the form or manner in which the application must be made;

(b) the form or content of any document or other matter which accompanies the application.

(2) The local planning authority must not entertain such an application if it fails to comply with the requirement.]

Textual Amendments

F3 S. 327A inserted (6.8.2004 for certain purposes, 10.8.2006 for E. and 30.6.2007 for W.) by Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (c. 5), ss. 42(5), 121 (with s. 111); S.I. 2004/2097, art. 2; S.I. 2006/1061, art. 3 (with art. 4) (as amended by S.I. 2010/321, art. 3); S.I. 2007/1369, art. 2 (with art. 3) (as amended by S.I. 2010/321, art. 4)

328 Settled land and land of universities and colleges. E+W

(1) The purposes authorised for the application of capital money—

(a) by section 73 of the M1 Settled Land Act 1925 F4 . . .; and

(b) by section 26 of the M2 Universities and College Estates Act 1925,

shall include the payment of any sum recoverable under section 111, [F5 or 112].

(2) The purposes authorised as purposes for which money may be raised by mortgage—

(a) by section 71 of the Settled Land Act 1925 F6 . . .; and

(b) by section 30 of the Universities and College Estates Act 1925,

shall include the payment of any sum so recoverable.

Textual Amendments

F4 Words in s. 328(1)(a) repealed (1.1.1997) by 1996 c. 47, s. 25(2), Sch. 4 (with ss. 24(2), 25(4)); S.I. 1996/2974, art. 2

F5 Words in s. 328(1) substituted (25.9.1991) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 31, Sch. 6 para. 37(with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2067, art. 3 (subject to art. 4)

F6 Words in s. 328(2)(a) repealed (1.1.1997) by 1996 c. 47, s. 25(2), Sch. 4 (with ss. 24(2), 25(4)); S.I. 1996/2974, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 328: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

Marginal Citations

M1 1925 c. 18.

M2 1925 c. 24.

329 Service of notices. E+W

(1) Any notice or other document required or authorised to be served or given under this Act may be served or given either—

(a) by delivering it to the person on whom it is to be served or to whom it is to be given; or

(b) by leaving it at the usual or last known place of abode of that person or, in a case where an address for service has been given by that person, at that address; or

(c) by sending it in a prepaid registered letter, or by the recorded delivery service, addressed to that person at his usual or last known place of abode or, in a case where an address for service has been given by that person, at that address; or

[F7 (cc) in a case where an address for service using electronic communications has been given by that person, by sending it using electronic communications, in accordance with the condition set out in subsection (3A), to that person at that address (subject to subsection (3B)); or]

(d) in the case of an incorporated company or body, by delivering it to the secretary or clerk of the company or body at their registered or principal office or sending it in a prepaid registered letter, or by the recorded delivery service, addressed to the secretary or clerk of the company or body at that office.

(2) Where the notice or document is required or authorised to be served on any person as having an interest in premises, and the name of that person cannot be ascertained after reasonable inquiry, or where the notice or document is required or authorised to be served on any person as an occupier of premises, the notice or document shall be taken to be duly served if—

(a) it is addressed to him either by name or by the description of “the owner” or, as the case may be, “the occupier” of the premises (describing them) and is delivered or sent in the manner specified in subsection (1)(a), (b) or (c); or

(b) it is so addressed and is marked in such a manner as may be prescribed for securing that it is plainly identifiable as a communication of importance and—

(i) it is sent to the premises in a prepaid registered letter or by the recorded delivery service and is not returned to the authority sending it, or

(ii) it is delivered to some person on those premises, or is affixed conspicuously to some object on those premises.

(3) Where—

(a) the notice or other document is required to be served on or given to all persons who have interests in or are occupiers of premises comprised in any land, and

(b) it appears to the authority required or authorised to serve or give the notice or other document that any part of that land is unoccupied,

the notice or document shall be taken to be duly served on all persons having interests in, and on any occupiers of, premises comprised in that part of the land (other than a person who has given to that authority an address for the service of the notice or document on him) if it is addressed to “the owners and any occupiers” of that part of the land (describing it) and is affixed conspicuously to some object on the land.

[F8 (3A) The condition mentioned in subsection (1)(cc) is that the notice or other document shall be—

(a) capable of being accessed by the person mentioned in that provision;

(b) legible in all material respects; and

(c) in a form sufficiently permanent to be used for subsequent reference;

and for this purpose “legible in all material respects” means that the information contained in the notice or document is available to that person to no lesser extent than it would be if served or given by means of a notice or document in printed form.

(3B) Subsection (1)(cc) shall not apply to—

(a) service of a planning contravention notice;

(b) service of a copy of an enforcement notice by a local planning authority;

(c) giving of notice under section 173A of the exercise of powers conferred by subsection (1) of that section;

(d) service under section 181(4) of notice of a local planning authority’s intention to take steps required by an enforcement notice;

(e) service of an enforcement notice issued by the Secretary of State;

(f) service of a stop notice, or of notice of withdrawal of a stop notice, by a local planning authority;

(g) service of a stop notice by the Secretary of State;

(h) service of a breach of condition notice or of notice of withdrawal of a breach of condition notice;

(i) giving of notice of the making of a tree preservation order, or service of a copy of such an order, in accordance with regulations under section 199;

(j) service of a notice under section 215 requiring steps to be taken to remedy the condition of any land;

(k) service of a notice under section 330 requiring information as to interests in land.]

[F9 (4) This section is without prejudice to section 233 of the M3 Local Government Act 1972 (general provisions as to service of notices by local authorities).]

Textual Amendments

F7 S. 329(1)(cc) inserted (E.) (31.3.2003) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (England) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/956), art. 4(2); (W.) (1.1.2005) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (Wales) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3156), art. 4(2) (with art. 14)

F8 S. 329(3A)(3B) inserted (E.) (31.3.2003) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (England) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/956), art. 4(3), (W.) (1.1.2005) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (Wales) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3156), art. 4(3) (with art. 14)

F9 S. 329(4) inserted (25.9.1991) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para.51 (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2067, art.3 (subject to art. 4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 329 applied by Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (c. 9, SIF 123:1), s. 89(1); applied (11.3.1992 so far as to confer on the Secretary of State a power to impose on him a duty to make regulations, or make provision with respect to the exercise of any such power or duty, 1.6.1992 so far as not already in force) by Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 (c. 10, SIF 123:1), s. 37(2); S.I. 1992/725, arts. 2, 3

S. 329 applied (E.) (1.10.2006) by The Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) (England) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2362), reg. 7(6)

S. 329 applied (E.) (10.10.2006) by The Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) (England) (No. 2) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/2362), regs. 1(2), 6(6)

C3 S. 329: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C4 S. 329 applied (30.10.1994) by The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/2716), reg. 108

C5 S. 329(1)(2)(4) applied (with modifications) (1.6.1997) by S.I. 1997/1160, reg. 16(2)

Marginal Citations

M3 1972 c. 70.

[F10 329A Service of notices on the Crown E+W

(1) Any notice or other document required under this Act to be served on the Crown must be served on the appropriate authority.

(2) Section 329 does not apply for the purposes of the service of such a notice or document.

(3) “Appropriate authority” must be construed in accordance with section 293(2).]

Textual Amendments

F10 S. 329A inserted (7.6.2006) by Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (c. 5), ss. 79, 121, Sch. 3 para. 16 (with s. 111); S.I. 2006/1281, art. 2

330 Power to require information as to interests in land. E+W

(1) For the purpose of enabling the Secretary of State or a local authority to make an order or issue or serve any notice or other document which, by any of the provisions of this Act, he or they are authorised or required to make, issue or serve, the Secretary of State or the local authority may by notice in writing require the occupier of any premises and any person who, either directly or indirectly, receives rent in respect of any premises to give in writing such information as to the matters mentioned in subsection (2) as may be so specified.

(2) Those matters are—

(a) the nature of the interest in the premises of the person on whom the notice is served;

(b) the name and [F11 postal] address of any other person known to him as having an interest in the premises;

(c) the purpose for which the premises are being used;

(d) the time when that use began;

(e) the name and [F11 postal] address of any person known to the person on whom the notice is served as having used the premises for that purpose;

(f) the time when any activities being carried out on the premises began.

(3) A notice under subsection (1) may require information to be given within 21 days after the date on which it is served, or such longer time as may be specified in it, or as the Secretary of State or, as the case may be, the local authority may allow.

(4) Any person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a notice served on him under subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(5) Any person who, having been required by a notice under subsection (1) to give any information, knowingly makes any misstatement in respect of it shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine, or both.

[F12 (6) This section shall have effect as if the references to a local authority included references to a National Park authority.]

Textual Amendments

F11 Word in s. 330(2)(b)(e) inserted (E.) (31.3.2003) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (England) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/956), art. 5(b); (W.) (1.1.2005) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (Wales) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3156), art. 5(b) (with art. 14)

F12 S. 330(6) inserted (23.11.1995) by 1995 c. 25, s. 78, Sch. 10 para. 32(11) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7); S.I. 1995/2950, art. 2(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 330 applied by Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (c. 9, SIF 123:1), s. 89(1); applied (11.3.1992 so far as to confer on the Secretary of State a power to impose on him a duty to make regulations, or make provision with respect to the exercise of any such power or duty, 1.6.1992 so far as not already in force) by Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 (c. 10, SIF 123:1), s. 37(2); S.I. 1992/725, arts. 2, 3; power to apply (with modifications) conferred by Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980 (c. 65, SIF 123:1), s. 149(3)(b), Sch. 29 Pt. II para. 9 as substituted by Planning (Consequential Provisions) Act 1990 (c. 11, SIF 123:1, 2), s. 4, Sch. 2 para. 44(13)

C7 S. 330: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C8 S. 330: functions of local authority may be responsibility of an executive of the authority (E.)(16.11.2000) by virtue of S.I. 2000/2853, reg. 3(1), Sch. 2 para. 16

C9 S. 330 applied (with modifications) (7.6.2004) by The Milton Keynes (Urban Area and Planning Functions) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/932), art. 5, Sch. para. 9 (with arts. 6, 7)

S. 330 applied (with modifications) (12.10.2005) by The Thurrock Development Corporation (Planning Functions) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/2572), art. 5 (with arts. 6, 7)

S. 330 applied (with modifications (31.10.2005) by The London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (Planning Functions) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/2721), art. 6

S. 330 applied (with modifications) (6.4.2006) by The West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (Planning Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/616), {art. 6)}

S. 330 applied (with modifications) (7.9.2006) by The Olympic Delivery Authority (Planning Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/2185), art. 6

[F13 330A Information as to interests in Crown land E+W

(1) This section applies to an interest in Crown land which is not a private interest.

(2) Section 330 does not apply to an interest to which this section applies.

(3) For a purpose mentioned in section 330(1) the Secretary of State may request the appropriate authority to give him such information as to the matters mentioned in section 330(2) as he specifies in the request.

(4) The appropriate authority must comply with a request under subsection (3) except to the extent—

(a) that the matter is not within the knowledge of the authority, or

(b) that to do so will disclose information as to any of the matters mentioned in section 321(4).

(5) Expressions used in this section and in Part 13 must be construed in accordance with that Part.]

Textual Amendments

F13 S. 330A inserted (7.6.2006) by Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (c. 5), ss. 79, 121, Sch. 3 para. 17 (with s. 111); S.I. 2006/1281, art. 2

331 Offences by corporations. E+W

(1) Where an offence under this Act which has been committed by a body corporate is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of—

(a) a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate, or

(b) any person who was purporting to act in any such capacity,

he as well as the body corporate shall be guilty of that offence and be liable to be proceeded against accordingly.

(2) In subsection (1) “director”, in relation to any body corporate—

(a) which was established by or under an enactment for the purpose of carrying on under national ownership an industry or part of an industry or undertaking, and

(b) whose affairs are managed by its members,

means a member of that body corporate.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 S. 331 applied by Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (c. 9, SIF 123:1), s. 89(1); excluded by Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (c. 9, SIF 123:1), s. 89(2); applied (11.3.1992 so far as to confer on the Secretary of State a power to impose on him a duty to make regulations, or make provision with respect to the exercise of any such power or duty, 1.6.1992 so far as not already in force) by Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 (c. 10, SIF 123:1), s. 37(2); S.I. 1992/725, arts. 2, 3

C11 S. 331: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

S. 331 restricted (E.) (13.4.2001) by S.I. 2001/1478, art. 3(a)

332 Combined applications. E+W

(1) Regulations made under this Act may provide for the combination in a single document, made in such form and transmitted to such authority as may be prescribed, of—

(a) an application for planning permission in respect of any development; and

(b) an application required, under any enactment specified in the regulations, to be made to a local authority in respect of that development.

(2) Before making any regulations under this section, the Secretary of State shall consult with such local authorities or associations of local authorities as appear to him to be concerned.

(3) Different provision may be made by any such regulations in relation to areas in which different enactments are in force.

(4) If an application required to be made to a local authority under an enactment specified in any such regulations is made in accordance with the provisions of the regulations, it shall be valid notwithstanding anything in that enactment prescribing, or enabling any authority to prescribe, the form in which, or the manner in which, such an application is to be made.

(5) Subsection (4) shall have effect without prejudice to—

(a) the validity of any application made in accordance with the enactment in question; or

(b) any provision of that enactment enabling a local authority to require further particulars of the matters to which the application relates.

(6) In this section “application” includes a submission.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 S. 332: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

333 Regulations and orders. E+W

(1) The Secretary of State may make regulations under this Act—

(a) for prescribing the form of any notice, order or other document authorised or required by this Act to be served, made or issued by any local authority [F14 or National Park authority];

(b) for any purpose for which regulations are authorised or required to be made under this Act (other than a purpose for which regulations are authorised or required to be made by another Minister).

(2) Any power conferred by this Act to make regulations shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.

[F15 (2A) Regulations may make different provision for different purposes.]

(3) Any statutory instrument containing regulations made under this Act (except regulations under section 88 and regulations which by virtue of this Act are of no effect unless approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament) shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(4) The power to make development orders and orders under sections 2, [F16 2A, 2F,] 28, 55(2)(f), [F17 61A(5)] 87, 149(3)(a) and 319 shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.

(5) Any statutory instrument—

(a) which contains an order under section 2 which has been made after a local inquiry has been held in accordance with subsection (2) of that section; or

(b) which contains a development order or an order under section [F18 2A, 2F,] 28, [F19 61A(5)(unless it is made by the National Assembly for Wales),] 87 or 149(3)(a),

shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(6) Without prejudice to subsection (5), where a development order makes provision for excluding or modifying any enactment contained in a public general Act (other than any of the enactments specified in Schedule 17) the order shall not have effect until that provision is approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

(7) Without prejudice to section 14 of the M4 Interpretation Act 1978, any power conferred by any of the provisions of this Act to make an order, shall include power to vary or revoke any such order by a subsequent order.

Subordinate Legislation Made

P1 S. 333: power previously exercised by S.I. 1990/1562, 2032

P2 S. 333(7): s. 59 (with ss. 60(1), 61(1) and 333(7)) power exercised by S.I. 1991/1536,

P3 S. 333(7): s. 55(2)(f) (with s. 333(7)) power exercised by S.I. 1991/1567

Textual Amendments

F14 Words in s. 333(1) inserted (23.11.1995) by 1995 c. 25, s. 78, Sch. 10 para. 32(12) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7); S.I. 1995/2950, art. 2(1)

F15 S. 333(2A) inserted (6.8.2004 for certain purposes, otherwise prosp.) by Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (c. 5), ss. 118, 121, Sch. 6 para. 14(2) (with s. 111); S.I. 2004/2097, art. 2

F16 Words in s. 333(4) inserted (6.4.2008) by Greater London Authority Act 2007 (c. 24), ss. 31(3)(a), 59; S.I. 2008/582, art. 2(a)

F17 Word in s. 333(4) inserted (6.8.2004 for specified purposes, 10.5.2006 for E. so far as not already in force, 30.4.2012 for W. so far as not already in force) by Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (c. 5), s. 40(3)(a) (with s. 111); S.I. 2004/2097, art. 2; S.I. 2006/1061, art. 2(a); S.I. 2012/1100, art. 2

F18 Words in s. 333(5)(b) inserted (6.4.2008) by Greater London Authority Act 2007 (c. 24), ss. 31(3)(b), 59; S.I. 2008/582, art. 2(a)

F19 Words in s. 333(5)(b) inserted (6.8.2004 for specified purposes, 10.5.2006 for E. so far as not already in force, 30.4.2012 for W. so far as not already in force) by Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (c. 5), s. 40(3)(b) (with s. 111); S.I. 2004/2097, art. 2; S.I. 2006/1061, art. 2(a); S.I. 2012/1100, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 S. 333: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

Marginal Citations

M4 1978 c. 30.

334 Licensing planning areas. E+W

F20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F20 S. 334 repealed (24.11.2005) by Licensing Act 2003 (c. 17), ss. 198, 199, Sch. 6 para. 109, Sch. 7 (with ss. 2(3), 15(2), 195); S.I. 2005/3056, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14 S. 334: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

335 Act not excluded by special enactments. E+W

For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that the provisions of this Act, and any restrictions or powers imposed or conferred by it in relation to land, apply and may be exercised in relation to any land notwithstanding that provision is made by any enactment in force at the passing of the 1947 Act, or by any local Act passed at any time during the Session of Parliament held during the regnal years 10 & 11 Geo. 6, for authorising or regulating any development of the land.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15 S. 335: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

336 Interpretation. E+W

(l) In this Act, except in so far as the context otherwise requires and subject to the following provisions of this section and to any transitional provision made by the Planning (Consequential Provisions) Act 1990—

• “the 1944 Act” means the Town and Country Planning Act 1944;

• “the 1947 Act” means the M5 Town and Country Planning Act 1947;

• “the 1954 Act” means the M6 Town and Country Planning Act 1954;

• “the 1959 Act” means the M7 Town and Country Planning Act 1959;

• “the 1962 Act” means the M8 Town and Country Planning Act 1962;

• “the 1968 Act” means the M9 Town and Country Planning Act 1968;

• “the 1971 Act” means the M10 Town and Country Planning Act 1971;

• “acquiring authority”, in relation to the acquisition of an interest in land (whether compulsorily or by agreement) or to a proposal so to acquire such an interest, means the government department, local authority or other body by whom the interest is, or is proposed to be, acquired;

• [F21 “address”, in relation to electronic communications, means any number or address used for the purposes of such communications;]

• “advertisement” means any word, letter, model, sign, placard, board, notice [F22 awning, blind], device or representation, whether illuminated or not, in the nature of, and employed wholly or partly for the purposes of, advertisement, announcement or direction, and (without prejudice to the previous provisions of this definition) includes any hoarding or similar structure used [F22 or designed], or adapted for use [F22 and anything else principally used, or designed or adapted principally for use,], for the display of advertisements, and references to the display of advertisements shall be construed accordingly;

• “aftercare condition” has the meaning given in paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 5;

• “aftercare scheme” has the meaning given in paragraph 2(3) of Schedule 5;

• “agriculture” includes horticulture, fruit growing, seed growing, dairy farming, the breeding and keeping of livestock (including any creature kept for the production of food, wool, skins or fur, or for the purpose of its use in the farming of land), the use of land as grazing land, meadow land, osier land, market gardens and nursery grounds, and the use of land for woodlands where that use is ancillary to the farming of land for other agricultural purposes, and “agricultural” shall be construed accordingly;

• “the appropriate Minister” has the meaning given in section 265;

• “authority possessing compulsory purchase powers”, in relation to the compulsory acquisition of an interest in land, means the person or body of persons effecting the acquisition and, in relation to any other transaction relating to an interest in land, means any person or body of persons who could be or have been authorised to acquire that interest compulsorily for the purposes for which the transaction is or was effected or a body (being a parish council, community council or parish meeting) on whose behalf a district council or county council [F23 or county borough council] could be or have been so authorised;

• “authority to whom Part II of the 1959 Act applies” means a body of any of the descriptions specified in Part I of Schedule 4 to the 1959 Act;

• [F24 “breach of condition notice” has the meaning given in section 187A;

• [F25 “breach of planning control” has the meaning given in section 171A]]

• “bridleway” has the same meaning as in the M11 Highways Act 1980;

• “the Broads” has the same meaning as in the M12 Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988;

• “building” includes any structure or erection, and any part of a building, as so defined, but does not include plant or machinery comprised in a building;

• “buildings or works” includes waste materials, refuse and other matters deposited on land, and references to the erection or construction of buildings or works shall be construed accordingly [F26 and references to the removal of buildings or works include demolition of buildings and filling in of trenches];

• [F27 “building operations” has the meaning given by section 55]

• “caravan site” has the meaning given in section 1(4) of the M13 Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960;

• “clearing”, in relation to land, means the removal of buildings or materials from the land, the levelling of the surface of the land, and the carrying out of such other operations in relation to it as may be prescribed;

• “common” includes any land subject to be enclosed under the Inclosure Acts 1845 to 1882, and any town or village green;

• “compulsory acquisition” does not include the vesting in a person by an Act of Parliament of property previously vested in some other person;

• “conservation area” means an area designated under section 69 of the Planning M14 (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990;

• [F28 “depositing of mineral waste” means any process whereby a mineral-working deposit is created or enlarged and “depositing of refuse or waste materials” includes the depositing of mineral waste;]

• “development” has the meaning given in section 55, and “develop” shall be construed accordingly;

• F29 . . .

• “development order” has the meaning given in section 59;

• [F30 “development plan” must be construed in accordance with section 38 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004;]

• “disposal” means disposal by way of sale, exchange or lease, or by way of the creation of any easement, right or privilege, or in any other manner, except by way of appropriation, gift or mortgage, and “dispose of” shall be construed accordingly;

• [F31 “electronic communication” has the same meaning as in the Electronic Communications Act 2000;]

• “enactment” includes an enactment in any local or private Act of Parliament and an order, rule, regulation, byelaw or scheme made under an Act of Parliament;

• “enforcement notice” means a notice under section 172;

• “engineering operations” includes the formation or laying out of means of access to highways;

• “enterprise zone scheme” means a scheme or modified scheme having effect to grant planning permission in accordance with section 88;

• “erection”, in relation to buildings as defined in this subsection, includes extension, alteration and re-erection;

• F32 . . .

• “footpath” has the same meaning as in the M15 Highways Act 1980;

• “fuel or field garden allotment” means any allotment set out as a fuel allotment, or a field garden allotment, under an Inclosure Act;

• “functions” includes powers and duties;

• “government department” includes any Minister of the Crown;

• “the Greater London Development Plan” means the development plan submitted to the Minister of Housing and Local Government under section 25 of the M16 London Government Act 1963 and approved by the Secretary of State under section 5 of the 1962 Act or the corresponding provision of the 1971 Act;

• “highway” has the same meaning as in the M17 Highways Act 1980 ;

• “improvement”, in relation to a highway, has the same meaning as in the Highways Act 1980;

• “joint planning board” has the meaning given in section 2;

• “land” means any corporeal hereditament, including a building, and, in relation to the acquisition of land under Part IX, includes any interest in or right over land;

• “lease” includes an underlease and an agreement for a lease or underlease, but does not include an option to take a lease or a mortgage, and “leasehold interest” means the interest of the tenant under a lease as so defined;

• “local authority” (except in section 252 and subject to subsection (10) [F33 below and section 71(7) of the Environment Act 1995]) means—

  (a)

  [F34 a billing authority or a precepting authority [F35 (except the Receiver for the Metropolitan Police District)], as defined in section 69 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 [F36 or the Metropolitan Police Authority];

  (aa)

  [F37 a fire and rescue authority in Wales constituted by a scheme under section 2 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 or a scheme to which section 4 of that Act applies;]]

  (b)

  a levying body within the meaning of section 74 of [F38 the Local Government Finance Act 1988] ; and

  (c)

  a body as regards which section 75 of that Act applies;

  and includes any joint board or joint committee if all the constituent authorities are local authorities within paragraph (a), (b) or (c);

• “local highway authority” means a highway authority other than the Secretary of State;

• “local planning authority” shall be construed in accordance with Part I;

• “London borough” includes the City of London, references to the council of a London borough or the clerk to such a council being construed, in relation to the City, as references to the Common Council of the City and the town clerk of the City respectively;

• “means of access” includes any means of access, whether private or public, for vehicles or for foot passengers, and includes a street;

• F29 . . .

• “mineral planning authority” has the meaning given in section [F39 1];

• “mineral-working deposit” means any deposit of material remaining after minerals have been extracted from land or otherwise deriving from the carrying out of operations for the winning and working of minerals in, on or under land;

• “minerals” includes all [F40 substances] of a kind ordinarily worked for removal by underground or surface working, except that it does not include peat cut for purposes other than sale;

• “Minister” means any Minister of the Crown or other government department;

• “mortgage” includes any charge or lien on any property for securing money or money’s worth;

• F41 . . .

• “open space” means any land laid out as a public garden, or used for the purposes of public recreation, or land which is a disused burial ground;

• “operational land” has the meaning given in section 263;

• “owner”, in relation to any land, means F42 . . .a person, other than a mortgagee not in possession, who, whether in his own right or as trustee for any other person, is entitled to receive the rack rent of the land or, where the land is not let at a rack rent, would be so entitled if it were so let;

• “the planning Acts” means this Act, the M18 Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the M19 Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990 and the Planning (Consequential Provisions) Act 1990;

• [F43 “planning contravention notice” has the meaning given in section 171C]

• “planning decision” means a decision made on an application under Part III [F44 or section 293A];

• “planning permission” means permission under Part III [F44 or section 293A], F45 . . .

• “planning permission granted for a limited period” has the meaning given in section 72(2)

• “prescribed” (except in relation to matters expressly required or authorised by this Act to be prescribed in some other way) means prescribed by regulations under this Act;

• F41 . . .

• “ [F46 public gas transporter]” has the same meaning as in Part I of the M20 Gas Act 1986;

• “purchase notice” has the meaning given in section 137;

• F47 . . .

• “replacement of open space”, in relation to any area, means the rendering of land available for use as an open space, or otherwise in an undeveloped state, in substitution for land in that area which is so used;

• “restoration condition” has the meaning given in paragraph 2(2) of Schedule 5;

• [F48 “restricted byway” has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000;]

• F47 . . .

• “simplified planning zone” and “simplified planning zone scheme” shall be construed in accordance with sections 82 and 83;

• [F49 “spatial development strategy” shall be construed in accordance with Part VIII of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (planning);]

• F47 . . .

• “statutory undertakers” and “statutory undertaking” have the meanings given in section 262;

• “steps for the protection of the environment” has the meaning given in paragraph 5(4) of Schedule 9;

• “stop notice” has the meaning given in section 183;

• “suspension order” has the meaning given in paragraph 5 of Schedule 9; and

• “supplementary suspension order” has the meaning given in paragraph 6 of Schedule 9;

• “tenancy” has the same meaning as in the M21 Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 ;

• “tree preservation order” has the meaning given in section 198;

• [F50 “universal postal service provider” means a universal service provider within the meaning of the Postal Services Act 2000; and references to the provision of a universal postal service shall be construed in accordance with that Act;]

• “urban development area” and “urban development corporation” have the same meanings as in Part XVI of the M22 Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980;

• “use”, in relation to land, does not include the use of land for the carrying out of any building or other operations on it;

• “Valuation Office” means the Valuation Office of the Inland Revenue Department;

• “war damage” has the meaning given in the M23 War Damage Act 1943.

• [F51 “waste” includes anything that is waste for the purposes of Directive 2006/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on waste, and that is not excluded from the scope of that Directive by Article 2(1) of that Directive;]

• [F28 “the winning and working of minerals” includes the extraction of minerals from a mineral working deposit.]

[F52 (1A) In this Act—

(a) any reference to a county (other than one to a county planning authority) shall be construed, in relation to Wales, as including a reference to a county borough;

(b) any reference to a county council shall be construed, in relation to Wales, as including a reference to a county borough council; and

(c) section 17(4) and (5) of the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994 (references to counties and districts to be construed generally in relation to Wales as references to counties and county boroughs) shall not apply.]

(2) If, in relation to anything required or authorised to be done under this Act, any question arises as to which Minister is or was the appropriate Minister in relation to any statutory undertakers, that question shall be determined by the Treasury.

(3) If any question so arises whether land of statutory undertakers is operational land, that question shall be determined by the Minister who is the appropriate Minister in relation to those undertakers.

(4) Words in this Act importing a reference to service of a notice to treat shall be construed as including a reference to the constructive service of such a notice which, by virtue of any enactment, is to be deemed to be served.

[F53 (4A) Where—

(a) an electronic communication is used for the purpose of serving or giving a notice or other document on or to any person for the purposes of this Act, and

(b) the communication is received by that person outside that person’s business hours,

it shall be taken to have been received on the next working day, and in this subsection, “working day” means a day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holiday or other public holiday.]

(5) With respect to references in this Act to planning decisions—

(a) in relation to a decision altered on appeal by the reversal or variation of the whole or part of it, such references shall be construed as references to the decision as so altered;

(b) in relation to a decision upheld on appeal, such references shall be construed as references to the decision of the local planning authority and not to the decision of the Secretary of State on the appeal;

(c) in relation to a decision given on an appeal in the circumstances mentioned in section 78(2), such references shall be construed as references to the decision so given;

(d) the time of a planning decision, in a case where there is or was an appeal, shall be taken to be or have been the time of the decision as made by the local planning authority (whether or not that decision is or was altered on that appeal) or, in the case of a decision given on an appeal in the circumstances mentioned in section 78(2), the end of the period there mentioned.

(6) Section 56 shall apply for determining for the purposes of this Act when development of land shall be taken to be initiated.

(7) In relation to the sale or acquisition of an interest in land—

(a) in a case where the interest is or was conveyed or assigned without a preliminary contract, references in this Act to a contract are references to the conveyance or assignment; and

(b) references to the making of a contract are references to the execution of it.

(8) In this Act—

(a) references to a person from whom title is derived by another person include references to any predecessor in title of that other person;

(b) references to a person deriving title from another person include references to any successor in title of that other person;

(c) references to deriving title are references to deriving title either directly or indirectly.

(9) References in the planning Acts to any of the provisions [F54 of Parts III, VII and VIII] include, except where the context otherwise requires, references to those provisions as modified under section 316 F55 . . ..

(10) In section 90, Chapter I of Part VI, and [F56 section] 330 “local authority”, in relation to land in the Broads, includes the Broads Authority.

Textual Amendments

F21 Definition in s. 336(1) inserted (E.) (31.3.2003) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (England) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/956), art. 6(2); (W.) (1.1.2005) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (Wales) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3156), art. 6(2) (with art. 14)

F22 Words in s. 336(1) inserted (6.4.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 24(with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/665, art. 2

F23 Words in definition of "authority possessing compulsory purchase powers" in s. 336(1) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 20(4), Sch. 6 Pt. II para. 24(13)(a) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 3, Sch. 1

F24 Definition in s. 336(1) inserted (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 52(2)(a) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2, Sch. 1

F25 Definition in s. 336(1) inserted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 52(2)(a) (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art. 3, Sch. 1 (subject to art. 5)

F26 Words in s. 336(1) inserted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 52(2)(b)(with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art. 3, Sch. 1 (subject to art. 5)

F27 Definition in s. 336(1) substituted (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 52(2)(c)(with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1279, art. 2 (with art. 3)

F28 Definitions in s. 336(1) inserted (25.9.1991) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 21, Sch. 1 para. 12(a)(e)(with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2067, art. 3 (subject to art. 4)

F29 Definitions in s. 336(1) repealed (25.9.1991) by Planning and compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), ss. 21, 84(6), Sch. 1 para. 12(b), Sch. 19 Pt. I (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2067, art. 3, Sch. 1

F30 S.336(1): definition of "development plan" substituted (28.9.2004 for E. and 15.10.2005 for W.) by Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (c. 5), ss. 118, 121, Sch. 6 para. 15 (with s. 111); S.I. 2004/2202, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions and savings in art. 4) ; S.I. 2005/2847, art. 2 (subject to transitional provisions and savings in art. 3)

F31 Definition in s. 336(1) inserted (E.) (31.3.2003) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (England) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/956), art. 6(2); (W.) (1.1.2005) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (Wales) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3156), art. 6(2) (with art. 14)

F32 Definition in s. 336(1) repealed (27.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), ss. 32, 84(6), Sch. 7 para. 52(2)(d), Sch. 19 Pt. I (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1630, art. 2, Schs. 1, 2

F33 Words in definition of "local authority" in s. 336(1) inserted (23.11.1995) by 1995 c. 25, s. 78, Sch. 10 para. 32(13) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117, Sch. 8 para. 7); S.I. 1995/2950, art. 2(1)

F34 Paras.(a)(aa) in definition of “local authority” in s. 336(1) substituted (2.11.1992) for para. (a) by Local Government Finance Act 1992 (c. 14), s. 117(1), Sch. 13 para. 91; S.I. 1992/2454, art. 2

F35 Words in para. (a) in the definition of "local authority" in s. 336(1) repealed (prosp.) by 1999 c. 29, ss. 325, 423, 425(2), Sch. 27 para. 66(a), Sch. 34 Pt. VII (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1))

F36 Words in para. (a) in the definition of "local authority" in s. 336(1) inserted (3.7.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 325, Sch. 27 para. 66(b); S.I. 1999/3434, art. 2; S.I. 2000/1648, art. 2, Sch. (subject to transitional provisions in Sch.)

F37 S. 336(1): words in definition of "local authority" substituted (1.10.2004 for E. and 10.11.2004 for W.) by Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (c. 21), ss. 53, 61, Sch. 1 para. 72(2); S.I. 2004/2304, art. 2(2) (subject to art. 3); S.I. 2004/2917, art. 2

F38 Words in s. 336(1) substituted (1.10.2004 for E. and 10.11.2004 for W.) by Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 (c. 21), ss. 53, 61, Sch. 1 para. 72(3); S.I. 2004/2304, art. 2(2) (subject to art. 3); S.I. 2004/2917, art. 2

F39 Words in definition of "mineral planning authority" in s. 336(1) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 20(4), Sch. 6 Pt. II para. 24(13)(c) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 3, Sch. 1

F40 Word in s. 336(1) substituted (25.9.1991) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 21, Sch. 1 para. 12(c)(with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2067, art. 3 (subject to art. 4)

F41 Definitions repealed (25.9.1991) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), ss. 31(4), 84(6), Sch. 6 para. 38, Sch. 19 Pt. II (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2067, art. 3 (subject to art. 4)

F42 Words in s. 336(1) repealed (17.7.1992) by Planning and compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), ss. 32, 84(6), Sch. 7 para. 52(2)(e), Sch. 19 Pt. I (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1491, art. 2, Schs. 1, 2

F43 Definition in s. 336(1) inserted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 52(2)(f)(with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art. 3, Sch. 1 (subject to art. 5)

F44 Words in s. 336(1) inserted (7.6.2006) by The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (Commencement No. 9 and Consequential Provisions) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/1281), art. 5(d)

F45 Words in s. 336(1) repealed (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), ss. 32, 84(6), Sch. 7 para. 52(2)(g), Sch. 19 Pt. I (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art. 3, Sch. 2 (subject to art. 5)

F46 Words in s. 336(1) substituted (1.3.1996) by 1995 c. 45, s. 16(1), Sch. 4 para. 18(4); S.I. 1996/218, art. 2

F47 Definitions in s. 336(1) repealed (25.9.1991) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), ss. 21, 84(6), Sch. 1 para. 12(d), Sch. 19 Pt. I (with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2067, art. 3, Sch. 1

F48 Words in s. 336(1) inserted (2.5.2006 for E. and 11.5.2006 for W.) by The Restricted Byways (Application and Consequential Amendment of Provisions) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/1177), Sch. 1 Pt. 1 (see S.I. 2006/1172, art. 2(a)-(d) (with art. 3) and S.I. 2006/1279, art. 2(a)-(d) (with art. 3))

F49 Definition of "spatial development strategy" in s. 336(1) inserted (12.1.2000) by 1999 c. 29, s. 344(10) (with Sch. 12 para. 9(1)); S.I. 1999/3434, art. 2

F50 Definition of "universal postal service provider" in s. 336(1) inserted (26.3.2001) by S.I. 2001/1149, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 83

F51 S. 336(1): definition of "waste" inserted (6.4.2008) by The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 2007/3538), reg. 73, Sch. 21 para. 19 (with reg. 72, Sch. 4)

F52 S. 336(1A) inserted (1.4.1996) by 1994 c. 19, s. 20(4), Sch. 6 Pt. II para. 24(14) (with ss. 54(5)(7), 55(5), Sch. 17 paras. 22(1), 23(2)); S.I. 1996/396, art. 3, Sch. 1

F53 S. 336(4A) inserted (E.) (31.3.2003) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (England) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/956), art. 6(3); (W.) (1.1.2005) by The Town and Country Planning (Electronic Communications) (Wales) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3156), art. 6(3) (with art. 14)

F54 Words in s. 336(9) substituted (17.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 52(3)(with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1491, art. 2, Sch. 1

F55 Words in s. 336(9) repealed (17.7.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), ss. 32, 84(6), Sch. 7 para. 52(3), Sch. 19 Pt. I(with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1992/1491, art. 2, Schs. 1, 2

F56 Words in s. 336(10) substituted (2.1.1992) by Planning and Compensation Act 1991 (c. 34, SIF 123:1), s. 32, Sch. 7 para. 52(4)(with s. 84(5)); S.I. 1991/2905, art. 3, Sch. 1 (subject to art. 5)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 S. 336: power to apply conferred (10.11.1993) by 1993 c. 28, s. 171(4)(a); S.I. 1993/2762, art. 3

C17 S. 336(1) applied (1.12.1991) by Water Industry Act 1991 (c. 56, SIF 130), ss. 209(3)(a), 223(2)

S. 336(1) applied (1.12.1991) by Water Resources Act 1991 (c. 57, SIF 130), ss. 208(3)(a), 225(2)

Marginal Citations

M5 1947 c. 51.

M6 1954 c. 72.

M7 1959 c. 53.

M8 1962 c. 38.

M9 1968 c. 72.

M10 1971 c. 78.

M11 1980 c. 66.

M12 1988 c. 4.

M13 1960 c. 62.

M14 1990 c. 9.

M15 1980 c. 66.

M16 1963 c. 33.

M17 1980 c. 66.

M18 1990 c. 9.

M19 1990 c. 10.

M20 1986 c. 44.

M21 1954 c. 56.

M22 1980 c. 65.

M23 1943 c. 21.

337 Short title, commencement and extent. E+W

(1) This Act may be cited as the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

(2) Except as provided in Part II and in Schedule 4 to the M24 Planning (Consequential Provisions) Act 1990, this Act shall come into force at the end of the period of three months beginning with the day on which it is passed.

(3) This Act extends to England and Wales only.

Marginal Citations

M24 1990 c. 11.