The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 has changed the shape and complexity of the planning system in England and Wales significantly, in an effort to make it faster, fairer and more predictable. This guide summarises the key changes, some of which remain to be clarified and brought into effect, and gives practical, straightforward and up-to-date advice on dealing with the transformed system. The guide: outlines the new regime of regional spatial strategies and local development documents and plans, and explains how you can grow your role in the plan-making process; explains the recent changes to the development control system and how best to prepare planning applications and negotiate permissions; and sets out valuable sources of further information, including useful web links, an index of current planning policy guidance and statements, and a list of planning.