Zoning
We have distilled all the key facts about zoning onto a single page, including recent commentary, the RTPI's view, pros and cons and our four tests.
You can download the briefing or read it below.
1. What is zoning?
“Zoning is a land use planning practice which focuses on ‘dividing’ a local authority’s area into different parts where some uses are permitted, while others are forbidden by right” (Lichfields, 2018)
2. Recent commentary
The Centre for Cities have proposed a flexible zoning code designed by national and devolved governments. Public consultation frontloaded into the creation of the local plan. National government to continue as “referee” setting the rules and enforcing them across “players” in local government. Unclear regarding the type and scale of legislative change needed.
Policy Exchange recommend a binary zonal land use planning system. Local authorities would control the rules in local plans for new development. That would be the only stage when local politicians and the public could comment.
3. The RTPI’s view: Plan the World we Need
Our new campaign describes how planning can accelerate progress to a zero carbon society, increase resilience to risk, and create fair, healthy and prosperous communities.
The planning system already contains tools and initiatives which provide targeted zoning powers. These include Local Development Orders,
Permission In Principle and brownfield land registers. But now is not the time for a major overhaul of England's planning system.
In our Priorities for Planning Reform in England we set out sensible alternatives. These include a refocusing on 21st century challenges, a clear direction for strategic planning, and technological innovation.
Proper investment in place, including public-sector planning, can deliver the Government’s objectives while avoiding major disruption.
4. Types of planning system
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Discretionary planning |
The basis of the UK’s planning systems |
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The Local Planning Authority (LPA) prepares a development plan outlining a positive vision for the future of their area, and a framework for addressing economic, social and environmental priorities including housing |
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Represented by elected councillors, the LPA decides on planning applications in accordance with the development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise, providing flexibility |
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Zonal planning |
Specific zones are allocated for different types of development and non-development, with planning permission automatically granted if a development meets zonal requirements. Multiple versions exist, for example in the USA, Canada and Germany |
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Consistent features include a zoning map and accompanying regulation, and less flexibility. |
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Many European countries do not use zonal plans across entire cities. Instead, targeted zoning is used to control development when planning strategic urban extensions, or in sensitive historic environments. |
5. Zoning: pros and cons
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Certainty |
Pro: Reduces risk by guaranteeing that any development can proceed if compliant with zonal requirements |
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Con: Increased certainty reduces flexibility, innovation and the ability to quickly respond to changing circumstances. Reduces certainty for developments that do not fit with zonal requirements |
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Politics and democracy |
Pro: A greater focus on the plan-making process, with the frontloading of decision-making and public consultation to create zoning maps and regulations |
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Con: Hard to genuinely engage with communities about changes that may not happen for many years, and lack of opportunity for communities to be involved in detailed matters like design and amenities after zone has been 'made‘ |
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Opportunity cost |
Pro: Provides greater certainty for developments that comply with zonal requirements |
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Con: Remodelling the English planning system would be complex and create uncertainty during an extended transition period whilst 'upstream' (early) consultation on zones was undertaken. Zoning plans can become outdated and require frequent amendments. |
6. RTPI tests for zoning
- Must provide a clear direction on meeting net zero carbon targets
- Only introduce in tandem with a vision-led strategic planning framework addressing infrastructure, housing and environmental objectives
- Ensure community consultation and involvement
- Use locally agreed design codes to ensure a high quality of development that works locally
