Town and Country Planning Act 1990
View on legislation.gov.ukLast amended by Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 in 2023. Reformed plan-making with National Development Management Policies and introduced the Infrastructure Levy.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Summary
The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (TCPA) is the principal statute governing town and country planning in England and Wales. It requires planning permission for development of land, establishes the development plan system, and provides for enforcement of planning control. It underpins virtually all decisions about what can be built and where.
Key Points
- Definition of 'development' requiring planning permission (s.55)
- Requirement to obtain planning permission for development (s.57)
- Determination in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise (s.70 and s.38(6) PCPA 2004)
- Planning conditions and planning obligations (s.106 agreements)
- Enforcement notices and stop notices (ss.172–183)
- Appeals to the Planning Inspectorate (s.78)
- Section 106 agreements — planning obligations to secure community benefits
- Listed buildings and conservation areas governed by associated 1990 legislation
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2004 — Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004
Reformed the development plan system, introduced local development frameworks, and inserted the s.38(6) plan-led presumption.
2011 — Localism Act 2011
Introduced neighbourhood planning, community right to build orders, and reformed the community infrastructure levy.
2023 — Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023
Reformed plan-making with National Development Management Policies and introduced the Infrastructure Levy.