As more and more people are affected by planning and development of some kind - whether the neighbour's loft extension or the Department of Transport's motorway proposals - there has been a corresponding increase in public involvement in the operation of the planning system in order to achieve publicly acceptable results. Designed for use by non-professionals, but useful as a reference to law students and professionals, this book explains how the main elements of the planning system work, and gives sound practical advice to anyone seeking to use the system.