The need for a code
2.1 Decisions on planning applications rely on informed judgement within a firm policy context. The determination of planning applications can be highly contentious because the actual decisions affect the daily lives of everyone and the private interests of individuals, landowners and developers. This is heightened by the openness of the system (ie it actively invites public opinion before taking decisions) and the legal status of development plans, decision notices and enforcement action. It is important, therefore, that the planning process is characterised by open, fair, impartial, transparent and defensible decision making.
2.2 One of the key purposes of the planning system is to control development in the public interest. In performing this role, planning necessarily affects land and property interests, particularly the financial value of landholdings and the quality of their settings. It is important, therefore, that planning authorities should make planning decisions affecting these interests openly, impartially, with sound judgement and for justifiable reasons. The process should be able to show that decisions have been taken in an impartial, unbiased and well-founded way.