England · National documents
Use of planning conditions
Explains when planning conditions are appropriate, the tests they should meet and how conditions are discharged or varied.
AI-generated summaries of the linked official sources; not editorially reviewed. Sources and limits
Where this document applies
England: relevance depends on the proposal, site and planning process.
Use of planning conditions (official source, opens in a new tab) · Reference ID 21a-001-20140306
A condition should solve a specific planning problem
The guidance explains how a condition can mitigate an adverse effect and make otherwise unacceptable development acceptable. Conditions should be tailored to the problem and be fair, reasonable and practicable; standard wording is not a substitute for satisfying the tests.
Read the official source (official source, opens in a new tab) · Reference ID 21a-001-20140306
Limits and checks
- This national source does not establish the local policies, designations or site facts that apply to an individual proposal.
- Some guidance predates the August 2026 Framework and may refer to earlier policy numbering. Read it with the current Framework and any applicable transition provisions.
Read alongside this document
Put the national source in your local context
Start with the exact refusal reason. Note the policy and paragraph it cites, then check your authority’s policy summary and the facts discussed in relevant appeal decisions. Each appeal turns on its own facts and does not predict another outcome.