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Links and Web Resources

We have a growing database of resources and external links that you may find useful. Select a category from the list below.

Please note: Planning Portal are not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

    Categories

    Building and conservation: Architecture, building conservation and archaeology

    • 20th Century Society

      The Twentieth Century Society exists to safeguard the heritage of architecture and design in Britain from 1914 onwards.

    • Archaeology, Conservation and Architecture information sources

      A collection of information sources from the University of York Library.

    • Architects Registration Board

      The ARB is the statutory register of architects set up by the Architects Act 1997. By law, the title 'Architect' can only be used in business or in practice by those entered on the Register of Architects.

    • Architectural Heritage Fund

      The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is a registered charity that helps to repair and give new life to historic buildings of every kind throughout the United Kingdom.

    • Aviation Environment Foundation

      The AEF is a UK-based not-for-profit non-Governmental organisation that works exclusively on the environmental impacts of aviation.

    • Centre for Advanced Studies in Architecture

      The Centre for Advanced Studies in Architecture is concerned with the integration of two apparently diverse fields, architectural history and computing.

    • Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)

      The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is the lead qualifying body for Architectural Technology and represents those practising and studying within the discipline. CIAT qualifies Chartered Architectural Technologists, MCIAT who can work on any project from inception through to completion.

    • Council for British Archaeology

      The Council for British Archaeology works to promote the study and safeguarding of Britain's historic environment, to provide a forum for archaeological opinion, and to improve public interest in, and knowledge of, Britain's past.

    • Empty Homes Agency (Action on Empty Homes)

      The Empty Homes Agency is an independent housing charity established in 1992. It exists to highlight the disgrace of empty, wasted and under used homes and property throughout England. The Action on Empty Homes website is owned and operated by The Empty Homes Agency.

    • English Heritage

      From visits to historic properties and battle re-enactments to conservation grants, from archaeological digs to children's books, English Heritage offers insights into the past and helps the past contribute to the lives of everyone now, and in the future.

    • Georgian Group

      Saves Georgian buildings, monuments, parks and gardens from destruction or disfigurement, and where necessary encourages their appropriate repair or restoration and protects and improves their setting.

    • Historic England

      Historic England is the public body that looks after England's historic environment, providing information on listing, planning, grants or heritage research and advice.

    • International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism (INTBAU)

      INTBAU's aim is to create an active network of individuals and institutions dedicated to the creation of humane and harmonious buildings and places that respect local traditions.

    • Landmark Trust

      The Landmark Trust is an independent UK building preservation charity which was founded in 1965 to rescue worthwhile historic buildings from neglect, and then to restore and let them for holidays.

    • National Trust

      Three Victorian philanthropists – Miss Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, founded the National Trust in 1895 to acquire and protect threatened landscape and buildings. It now holds 248,000 hectares of countryside, 600 miles of coast, and more than 200 buildings and gardens, mostly allowing public access, and has 2.7 million members.

    • Resource for Urban Design Information (RUDI)

      RUDI offers a one-stop shop for anyone interested in urban design by bringing together high quality text content, directory information and reference sources on one website.

    • SAVE Britain's Heritage

      'Save' campaigns for threatened historic buildings. It is the first place to look for buildings to restore.

    • Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (S.P.A.B.)

      The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings was founded by William Morris in 1877 to counteract the highly destructive 'restoration' of medieval buildings being practised by many Victorian architects

    • The Gardens Trust

      The Gardens Trust promotes the study of the history of gardening, landscape gardening and horticulture. It works for the protection and conservation of historic parks, gardens and designed landscapes, and to advise on their restoration.

    • The Heritage Gateway

      The Gateway gives you online access to historic environment resources allowing you to search local records alongside national records. You can now search more than 1.5 million records.

    • Victorian Society

      The Victorian Society is the national society responsible for the study and protection of Victorian and Edwardian architecture and other arts. It was founded in 1958 to fight the then widespread ignorance of nineteenth and early twentieth century architecture.

    Building and conservation: Building regulations and the building control sector

    • Association of Consulting Engineers (ACE)

      ACE represents the business interests of its members and the consultancy and engineering industry in the UK. It is the leading business association in this sector, counting around 650 firms - large and small, operating across many different disciplines, as its members.

    • Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC)

      The Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC) is a not-for-profit trade body for the plumbing and heating industry in England and Wales.

    • Automatic Entrance Systems Installers Federation (AESIF)

      Aesif seeks to promote the automation entrance industry as a whole and believes that, by giving balanced consideration to both people within the industry and the end consumer, the entrance automation industry will develop at a faster rate and be able to better serve the customers and community at large.

    • Brick Development Association (BDA)

      THE BDA ensures clay brick and pavers are recognised as the material of choice by architects, engineers, planners, specifiers, developers, landscapers, builders and property owners.

    • British Aggregates Association (BAA)

      The association provides essential support and advice in all health and safety, planning, technical and regulatory issues; whilst ensuring that the voice of the independent sector is heard at all levels of the UK and EU administrations.

    • British Board of Agreement (BBA)

      The BBA is committed to helping businesses and organisations supply the construction industry with products, systems and installers of the highest quality.

    • British Constructional Steelwork Association (BCSA)

      The principal objectives of the Association are to promote the use of structural steelwork; to assist specifiers and clients; to ensure that the capabilities and activities of the industry are widely understood and to provide members with professional services in technical, commercial, contractual, quality assurance and health & safety matters.

    • British Standards Institute (BSI)

      BSI is the business standards company that helps to embed excellence into the way people and products work. That means showing businesses how to improve performance, reduce risk and achieve sustainable growth.

    • British Woodworking Federation (BWF)

      The British Woodworking Federation is the trade association for the woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry in the UK.

    • Builders Merchant Federation (BMF)

      The Builders Merchants Federation is the only organisation that represents and protects the interests of Merchants and Suppliers to the merchanting industry.

    • Building Services Research and Innovation Association (BSRIA)

      BSRIA is a test, instruments, research and consultancy organisation in construction and building services providing specialist support services for design, construction, facilities management, product testing and market intelligence.

    • Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE)

      Formed in 1925 as the Incorporated Association of Architects and Surveyors, the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) is a leading body for professionals specialising in the design, construction, evaluation and maintenance of buildings.

    • Civil Engineering Contracts Association (CECA)

      The Civil Engineering Contractors Association is the representative body for companies who work day-to-day to deliver, upgrade, and maintain the country's infrastructure.

    • Construction Industry Council (CIC)

      The Construction Industry Council (CIC) is the representative forum for the professional bodies, research organisations and specialist business associations in the construction industry.

    • Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA)

      As a neutral, independent, not-for-profit body, CIRIA link organisations with common interests and facilitate a range of collaborative activities that help improve the industry.

    • Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)

      Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) are the Industry Training Board and a partner in the Sector Skills Council for the construction industry in England, Scotland and Wales.

    • Construction Products Association (CPA)

      The Association acts as a single voice to promote and campaign for construction product manufacturers and suppliers in the UK.

    • Council for Aluminium in Building

      The Council for Aluminium in Building’s aim is to support the interests of the architectural aluminium industry by encouraging the increasing use of aluminium products in architecture and in the construction industry as a whole.

    • ELECSA

      ELECSA provides inspection, assessment and certification services to contractors working across the building services sectors.

    • Electrical Contractors Association (ECA)

      The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) is the UK’s leading trade association representing the interests of contractors who design, install, inspect, test and maintain electrical and electronic equipment and services.

    • Electrical Safety Council (Electrical Safety First)

      Electrical Safety First is the UK charity dedicated to reducing deaths and injuries caused by electrical accidents.

    • Federation of Master Builders (FMB)

      The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the UK's largest trade association in the building industry, with national offices in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, supported by additional regional offices.

    • Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF)

      The GGF is the main representative organisation for companies involved in all aspects of the manufacture of flat glass and products and services for all types of glazing, in commercial and domestic sectors.

    • Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

      It is 40 years since the Health and Safety at Work Act received Royal Assent, providing a new regulatory framework for workplace health and safety in Great Britain. This has helped make Britain one of the safest places in the world to work, saving thousands of lives, preventing many more injuries at work and reducing the economic and social costs of health and safety failures.

    • Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)

      The Institution of Structural Engineers is the world’s largest membership organisation dedicated to the art and science of structural engineering.

    • Lead Sheet Training Academy

      The Lead Sheet Training Academy is at the forefront of training for those using lead or hard metals in the construction industry.

    • Mineral Products Association (MPA)

      The Mineral Products Association website includes information on the aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, agricultural lime, industrial lime, mortar and silica sand industries.

    • Mineral Products Associations – Cement

      MPA Cement is part of the Mineral Products Association, the trade association for the aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, dimension stone, lime, mortar and silica sand industries.

    • NHBC Foundation

      The NHBC Foundation's purpose is to deliver high-quality research and practical guidance to help the house-building industry address the considerable challenges of delivering 21st Century new homes.

    • National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers (NAPIT)

      NAPIT is one of the leading Government approved and United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited membership scheme operators in the building services and fabric sector.

    • National Calculation Methodology

      The National Calculation Method for the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is defined by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). The procedure for demonstrating compliance with the Building Regulations for buildings other than dwellings is by calculating the annual energy use for a proposed building and comparing it with the energy use of a comparable 'notional' building. The NCM allows the actual calculation to be carried out either by an approved simulation software or by a new simplified tool based on a set of CEN standards.

    • National Federation of Builders (NFB)

      The NFB provides business and policy support to builders, contractors and house builders across England and Wales.

    • National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC)

      NFRC actively ensures that members offer high standards of workmanship and sound business practice through a strict code of practice and independent vetting procedure, including site inspections and adhering to the Government-endorsed TrustMark standards.

    • National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC)

      NICEIC is the UK’s leading voluntary regulatory body for the electrical contracting industry. It has been assessing the electrical competence of electricians for nearly sixty years and currently maintains a roll of over 26,000 registered contractors.

    • National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

      The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the UK's National Measurement Institute and is a world-leading centre of excellence in developing and applying the most accurate measurement standards, science and technology available.

    • National Security Inspectorate (NSI)

      National Security Inspectorate (NSI) provides robust, high quality audits of home security, business security and fire safety service providers.

    • Property Care Association (PCA)

      Property Care Association (PCA) promotes high standards of professionalism and expertise within the industry through training and other support services.

    • Property Consultants Society

      Property Consultants Society aims to offer assistance to members to enable them to undertake their practice of property consultancy in a competent, legitimate and publicly acceptable way.

    • Steelbiz

      Steelbiz is an online library of up-to-date, high quality, technical information on all aspects of steel construction. It provides access to a wide range of information including: technical guidance, design data, case studies and worked examples.

    • The Building Centre

      The Building Centre exists to promote innovation in the built environment, providing education, information and inspiration to all sectors of the built environment as well as the general public.

    • The Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE)

      The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) supports the Science, Art and Practice of building services engineering, by providing its members and the public with first class information and education services.

    • The Concrete Society

      The Society has built on its technical base to become a leading provider of information serving the needs of clients, architects, engineers, specifiers, suppliers, contractors and users of concrete, with emphasis on quality and competitiveness.

    • The Housing Forum (part of Constructing Excellence)

      The Housing Forum are a cross-sector, cross-supply chain, member led organisation operating for the good of industry and its stakeholders.

    • The Local Government Task Force (part of Constructing Excellence)

      The Local Government Task Force exist to improve industry performance in order to produce a better built environment.

    • Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA)

      The Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence on the specification and use of timber and wood products.

    • Timber Trade Federation (TTF)

      The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) is at the centre of the UK’s timber industry with an impressive reputation.

    • Trustmark

      TrustMark is a not for profit organisation, licensed by Government and supported by consumer protection groups.

    • UK Steel (trade association)

      UK Steel (trade association) represents the interests of the UK steel industry to government at all levels, to promote the industry and the importance of steel to the public and provide information and services to its members.

    Building and conservation: Countryside, nature conservation and the rural environment

    • British Trust for Ornithology

      The British Trust for Ornithology has existed since 1933 as an independent, scientific research trust, investigating the populations, movements and ecology of wild birds in the British Isles.

    • Campaign for National Parks

      The Campaign for National Parks (CNP) is the national charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales and areas that merit National Park status, and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.

    • Campaign to Protect Rural England

      The Campaign to Protect Rural England exists to promote the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England by encouraging the sustainable use of land and other natural resources in town and country.

    • Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group

      The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group is a charity employing county and area-based Farm Conservation Advisers who visit farmers and landowners to offer advice on the integration of conservation features with commercial agriculture, through the adoption of environmentally responsible methods of farming.

    • Forestry Commission

      The Forestry Commission of Great Britain is the Government department responsible for the protection and expansion of Britain's forests and woodlands.

    • Friends of the Earth

      Friends of the Earth seeks solutions to environmental problems that make life better for people.

    • Groundwork

      Groundwork is a leading environmental regeneration charity. From small community schemes to major regional and national programmes, its network of more than 40 local Trusts works in partnership with local people, local authorities and business to promote economic and social regeneration by improvements to the local environment.

    • MAGIC (Multi-Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside)

      A one-stop shop for rural and countryside information from the partner organisations, bringing together definitive rural designation boundaries and information about rural land-based schemes.

    • National Biodiversity Network (NBN)

      The NBN is an innovative way of sharing wildlife information in the UK and is building tools to make this information accessible in a digitised and exchangeable form.

    • Natural England

      Natural England promotes the conservation of England's wildlife and natural features. It was set up by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and is a statutory body funded by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

    • Ramblers' Association

      The Ramblers Association exists to facilitate, for the benefit of everyone, the enjoyment and discovery that walking outdoors can bring, and to promote respect for the life of the countryside.

    • Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)

      Since its humble beginning in 1824 - as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - the RSPCA has worked tirelessly to promote kindness and prevent cruelty to animals.

    • Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)

      The RSPB is the charity that takes action for wild birds and the environment. It runs 150 nature reserves covering over 100,000 hectares of prime wildlife habitat, and strives to conserve wildlife wherever it lives.

    • Soil Association

      The Soil Association supports organic food, farming and sustainable forestry.

    • Sustainable Build

      Formed to offer a unique reference point on green construction techniques and advice. Their features and articles are written by professional journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a background in this area.

    • The Country Land and Business Association

      The Country Land and Business Association is an organisation for England and Wales whose sole objective is to safeguard the interests of private landowners and rural businesses.

    • Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

      The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) promotes the conservation of wetlands focusing on rare wetland birds. WWT is the largest international wetland conservation charity in the UK.

    • Wildlife Trusts

      The Wildlife Trusts partnership is the UK’s leading conservation charity exclusively dedicated to wildlife. Its network of 47 local Wildlife Trusts and our junior branch, Wildlife Watch, work together to protect wildlife in towns and the countryside.

    • Woodland Trust

      The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading conservation charity dedicated to the protection of our native woodland heritage.

    • World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

      WWF is the world's largest and most experienced independent conservation organisation. It is a global network, with 52 offices working in more than 90 countries.

    Government: Agencies

    • Crown Estates

      The Crown Estate incorporates an urban estate including significant London holdings, particularly in Regent Street, Regent's Park and St James's, as well as almost 120,000 hectares of agricultural land and extensive marine assets throughout the UK.

    • Environment Agency

      The Environment Agency is the leading public organisation for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. It works in many ways to achieve this - regulating industry, maintaining flood defences and water resources, and improving wildlife habitats, etc.

    • Food Standards Agency

      The Food Standards Agency is an independent food safety watchdog set up by an Act of Parliament in 2000 to protect the public's health and consumer interests in relation to food.

    • Highways England

      Highways England operates, maintains and improves England’s motorways and major A roads. Highways England works with the Department for Transport.

    • Homes England

      Homes England is the government’s housing accelerator, with the appetite, influence, expertise and resources to drive positive market change. By releasing more land to developers who want to make a difference, they are making possible the new homes England needs, helping to improve neighbourhoods and grow communities. Homes England is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

    • Planning Inspectorate

      The Planning Inspectorate works for Communities and Local Government and the National Assembly for Wales on a range of casework under Planning and Environmental legislation.

    • Regulator of Social Housing

      The Regulator of Social Housing regulates registered providers of social housing to promote a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver homes that meet a range of needs. RSH is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

    • Valuation Office Agency

      The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) is an executive agency of the Inland Revenue (IR) with 80 offices spread throughout England, Wales and Scotland employing around 4,000 people.

    Government: Information services

    • Data.gov.uk

      Data.gov.uk is the Government's portal for citizens and seeks to give a way into the wealth of Government data. By working in collaboration with software developers it aims to make data held by public bodies easy to access.

    • Energy Infrastructure Portal

      This website is provided by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and offers online regulatory services and information resources for individuals and organisations in England and Wales. Use this site to learn about energy infrastructure legislation, related regulatory processes and how these affect you, and to access regulatory services that allow the online management of applications for Necessary Wayleave Consent, Overhead Line Consent, Tree Lopping Consent; and Safety Zone Consent and approval of Decommissioning Plans for offshore renewable installations.

    • Gov.UK

      The Government's website for services and information.

    • Government Gateway

      Registering with the Government Gateway enables you to sign up for any of the UK Government’s services that are available over the Internet. When you have completed the registration process, you will be able to use a single User ID or digital certificate to send and receive forms, such as Tax returns and VAT returns.

    • Greater London Authority

      The GLA is a strategic authority with a London-wide role to design a better future for the city. It supports the work of the Mayor of London, helping his office to develop and deliver strategies for London and supports the London Assembly in its role of scrutinising the work of the Mayor and representing the interests of Londoners.

    • Planning Officers Society

      The Society's aim is to ensure that planning makes a major contribution to achieving sustainable developments, from national to local level, in ways, which are fair and equitable and meet the social economic and environmental aspirations of all sectors of the community.

    Government: Offices/departments

    • Central Office of Information (COI)

      COI Communications was the Government's communication team. It works in partnership with client departments and agencies to provide effective communications solutions.

    • Citizens Advice Bureau

      Five million people seek help from Citizens Advice Bureaux every year. The CAB helps solve problems which are central to people's lives, including debt and consumer issues, benefits, housing, legal matters, employment, and immigration.

    • Civil Service

      The Civil Service is committed to providing all its staff with opportunities to develop and a positive working environment. It also offers a variety of fast track routes for promising graduates and experienced professionals.

    • Communities and Local Government

      The successor department to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). It is an expanded department with a powerful new remit to promote community cohesion and equality, as well as responsibility for housing, urban regeneration, planning and local government.

    • Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

      BIS has responsibility for enterprise, business relations, regional development and fair markets, along with responsibility for science and innovation, further and higher education and skills.

    • Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)

      The Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport has policy responsibility for museums, galleries and libraries, the built heritage, the arts, sport, education, broadcasting and the media and tourism, as well as the creative industries and the National Lottery.

    • Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

      The Government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) aims to promote sustainable development, which means a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come, including a better environment at home and internationally, and sustainable use of natural resources.

    • Department for Transport

      The Government's Department for Transport aims to achieve better transport.

    • Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)

      DECC was created in October 2008, to bring together energy policy and climate change mitigation policy.

    • HM Revenue and Customs

      The department exists to ensure the correct tax is paid at the right time, whether this relates to payment of taxes received by the department or entitlement to benefits paid.

    • Homes and Communities Agency

      The Homes and Communities Agency role is to create opportunity for people to live in high quality, sustainable places.

    • Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC)

      The IPC is an independent body which makes decisions on applications for nationally significant infrastructure projects. These are the large-scale facilities that support the economy and vital public services. This includes railways, large wind farms, power stations, reservoirs, harbours, airports and sewage treatment works.

    • Ministry of Justice

      The Ministry of Justice works in partnership with other Government departments and agencies to reform the criminal justice system, to serve the public and support the victims of crime. It is also responsible for making new laws, strengthening democracy, modernising the constitution and safeguarding human rights.

    • Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street

      The official site of the Prime Minister’s Office.

    • TIS Online

      More than 30 titles developed and updated by experienced public service financial managers for fellow practitioners in local authorities, housing providers, the health sector and related activities.

    • The Administrative Justice and Tribunals Council (AJTC)

      The council keeps under review the administrative justice system as a whole with a view to making it accessible, fair and efficient.

    • The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy

      Accountancy body for public services - providing education and training in accountancy and financial management.

    • The Information Commissioner's Office

      The Information Commissioner's Office is responsible for the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts.

    • The National Archives

      The National Archives is the UK Government's official archive, containing over 1,000 years of history.

    Planning: Information Services

    • ATLAS Guide

      Planning for Large Scale Development was a live online information resource which provided comprehensive information in relation to the process of taking complex projects through the planning system. It also explored a number of important topic areas that needed to be addressed, and provided the opportunity for users to share and learn from good practice.

    • Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE)

      The CSE is a national charity that undertakes projects aimed at tackling the threat of climate change. The website provides a range of services from energy advice for householders to providing services designed to help councils meet their current targets and commitments.

    • Energy Saving Trust (EST)

      Energy Saving Trust is an independent, UK-based organisation focused on promoting action that leads to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. It is the source of free advice and information for people across the UK looking to save energy, conserve water and reduce waste.

    • Joseph Rowntree Foundation

      The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is the UK's largest independent social policy research and development charity. It supports a wide programme of research and development projects in housing, social care and social policy.

    • Natural Environment Research Council

      The United Kingdom's Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) provides independent research and training in the environmental sciences.

    • Planning Renewables

      The website aimed to provide the most up-to-date and useful information for local authority planning officers and councillors. It also provided free advice for local authority planning officers on renewable energy projects or policies.

    • UK National statistics

      Government Agency that produces and disseminates social, health, economic, demographic, labour market and business statistics.

    Planning: Organisations, directories and websites

    • Architectural Association

      The Architectural Association was established in 1847 as a forum for architectural debate and reform. Over 150 years later it remains a venue for architects' lectures and exhibitions in London, and runs one of the world's leading schools of architecture.

    • Association of Town Centre Management

      The ATCM is a non-governmental organisation (NGO), with hundreds of members representing towns and cities and public and private sector organisations, with links to central and local government and professional bodies across the UK, Europe and the world.

    • Building Research Establishment

      The Building Research Establishment is the UK's leading centre for construction and fire expertise, providing consultancy, testing and information services to customers world-wide.

    • Global Urban Research Unit

      GURU incorporates the three existing urban research centres at the University of Newcastle's School of Architecture Planning and Landscape.

    • Mobile UK

      Mobile UK is the trade association for the UK’s mobile network operators - EE, O2, Three and Vodafone.

    • National Building Specification

      NBS offers products and specification information to construction professionals. Its NBS specification products cover building construction, engineering services and landscape design.

    • Oultwood Local Government Web Index

      The Oultwood LG Index was set-up to overcome the problem of finding the appropriate local community information source.

    • RTPI Directory of Planning Consultants

      An online directory of Planning Consultants from the Royal Town Planning Institute and Planning Portal

    • Secured by Design

      Secured by Design is the UK Police flagship initiative supporting the principles of 'designing out crime' by use of effective crime prevention and security standards for a range of applications.

    • Town and Country Planning Association

      The Town and Country Planning Association is a voluntary body and educational charity which campaigns for change in UK planning policies and practice, to promote sustainable development and public participation in the process.

    • Water UK

      Water UK represents all UK water suppliers and wastewater operators at a national and European level. It provides a positive framework for the water industry to engage with Government, regulators, stakeholder organisations and the public.

    Planning: Planning Aid

    Planning: Professional bodies

    • Architects Registration Board

      The ARB is the statutory register of architects set up by the Architects Act 1997. By law, the title 'Architect' can only be used in business or in practice by those entered on the Register of Architects. A member of the public can check the Register of Architects.

    • Association of Consultant Architects

      The ACA is the national professional body representing architects in private practice throughout the UK.

    • Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT)

      The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) is the lead qualifying body for Architectural Technology and represents those practising and studying within the discipline. CIAT qualifies Chartered Architectural Technologists, MCIAT who can work on any project from inception through to completion.

    • Chartered Institute of Building

      With over 42,000 members the CIOB is the international voice of the building professional, representing an unequalled body of knowledge concerning the management of the total building process.

    • Chartered Institute of Housing

      The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is the professional body for people working in housing. Its purpose is to maximise the contribution that housing professionals make to the well being of communities.

    • Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

      The CIT is the professional body which represents all sectors of the transport industry. Founded in 1919 and granted its Royal Charter in 1926, it was established to promote knowledge of the science and art of transport.

    • Federation of Master Builders

      With more than 15,000 member firms, the Federation of Master Builders is the largest trade association in the UK building industry.

    • House Builders Federation (HBF)

      HBF is the trade federation for private house builders in England and Wales.

    • Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology

      The IMarEST is the largest global professional membership body for those in all sectors of the marine industry.

    • Institution of Civil Engineers

      The Institution of Civil Engineers is an independent engineering institution. It was established in 1818, and today represents over 80,000 professionally qualified engineers worldwide and the civil engineering industry.

    • Landscape Institute

      The Landscape Institute is the Chartered Institute in the UK for Landscape Architects, incorporating designers, managers and scientists, concerned with enhancing and conserving the environment.

    • Local Authority Building Control (LABC)

      LABC is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards in building design and construction. It is based on a publicly accountable and independent service, ensuring that buildings comply with relevant legal requirements for health and safety.

    • Local Government Association

      The Local Government Association is a voluntary lobbying organisation, acting as the voice of the local government sector.

    • National House Building Council

      Established over 60 years ago, the National House-Building Council is the independent regulator and standards setter for the new homes industry. It aims to help the house-building industry construct good quality new homes that meet the reasonable expectations of homebuyers.

    • New Engineering Contract

      The New Engineering Contract (NEC) is a legal framework of project management procedures designed to handle all aspects of the management of engineering and construction projects.

    • Prince’s Trust

      The Prince’s Trust helps young people through training, skill building, business loans, grants, personal development and study support outside school.

    • Royal Institute of British Architects

      The 40,000-strong institute is committed to serving the public interest through good design. Use their website to find a chartered architect suitable for your project, large or small, local to your area - fees and scope of service negotiable.

    • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

      With more than 100,000 members in around 140 countries, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is the professional body addressing all aspects of land, property, construction and the associated environmental issues.

    • Royal Town Planning Institute (RPTI)

      The Royal Town Planning Institute is the membership organisation for professional town and country planners. Planning is concerned with the shaping and management of the environment. Planning is a key factor in the practice of sustainable development because it deals with the physical relationships between our economic, social and environmental objectives.

    • The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

      The Institute of Logistics and Transport is a focus for professional excellence. It promotes the development of the most relevant and effective techniques in logistics and transport, and of policies which respond to the challenges of a changing world.

    • The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation

      The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) is a learned society concerned specifically with the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of land-based transport systems and infrastructure.

    • The Institute of Historic Building Conservation

      The IHBC, now archived, was a multi-disciplinary organisation and the principal professional body for building conservation practitioners and historic environment specialists working in England, Northern Ireland , Scotland and Wales, with connections to the Republic of Ireland.

    • Transport Planning Society

      With more than 900 members, the Transport Planning Society facilitates, develops and promotes best practice in transport planning. Its regional branches organise a regular programme of events and activities in their respective regions.

    Planning: Wales

    • Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales

      The Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales aims to help the conservation and enhancement of the landscape, environment and amenities of the countryside, towns and villages of rural Wales.

    • Council for British Archaeology – Wales

      Council for British Archaeology Wales provides online Information about archaeology in Wales.

    • Design Commission for Wales

      Design Commission for Wales The Design Commission for Wales is a national organisation established and core funded by the National Assembly for Wales. It is concerned with the quality of the built environment in Wales and to raise the design quality of buildings and the spaces between them, working with colleagues in the field of architecture, urban and landscape design and including consideration of the countryside as well as the cities, towns and villages of Wales.

    • Friends of the Earth – Wales

      Friends of the Earth campaigns for solutions to environmental problems that make life better for people.

    • Law Society

      The Law Society is the professional body for solicitors in England and Wales. It works to improve access to the law and provides services and support for solicitors.

    • National Assembly for Wales

      The Assembly is responsible for the development and implementation of the Planning system in Wales and to ensure that it meets the needs of the people of Wales.

    • Natural Resources Wales

      Welsh Government Sponsored Body. Their purpose is to ensure that the natural resources of Wales are sustainably maintained, enhanced and used, now and in the future.

    • Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales

      RCAHMW surveys, interprets and records the built heritage of Wales, either directly or through grant aid and partnerships, and makes information available to the public through the NMRW archive and information service.

    • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Wales)

      With nearly 3,500 fully qualified members RICS Wales is the professional body involved in all aspects of land, property, construction and increasingly environmental issues. Chartered surveyors work in a wide variety of organisations both in the public and private sector and within six main markets - commercial property, construction, infrastructure planning, minerals and waste management, residential and rural property.

    • Royal Society of Architects in Wales

      The Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW) is constituted as the regional organisation of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in Wales. Its mission is to promote architecture and the work of architects to potential clients, policy makers and the general public.

    • Royal Town Planning Institute – Wales

      The Royal Town Planning Institute is the professional organisation for town and country planners and is concerned with the shaping and management of our environment. Planning is a key factor in the practice of sustainable development because it deals with the physical relationships between our economic, social and environmental objectives.

    • The National Library of Wales

      The National Library of Wales offers access to books, maps, manuscripts, archives, pictures, photographs and electronic resources relating to Wales.

    • Welsh Assembly Government

      The Welsh Assembly Government is the devolved government for Wales.

    • Welsh Firms of Solicitors on the Web

      A legal resource for Wales.

    • Welsh Historic Monuments (Cadw)

      Cadw's mission is to protect, conserve, and to promote an appreciation of the built heritage of Wales.

    • Welsh Water (Dwr Cymru)

      Dwr Cymru is licensed to supply water for industrial and domestic purpose in an area covering most of Wales, and parts of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

    Standards: Legal

    Standards: Ombudsman and standards bodies

    • British Standards Institution

      The National Standards Body of the UK, with a globally recognised reputation for independence, integrity and innovation in the production of standards that promote best practice.

    • Directory of Ombudsmen

      The British and Irish Ombudsman Association. Ombudsmen investigate complaints of injustice arising from maladministration by local authorities and certain other bodies.

    • Local Government Ombudsman

      Local Government Ombudsman looks at complaints about councils and some other authorities, including education admissions appeal panels.

    The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2024 Planning Portal.

    The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2024 Planning Portal.