The Planning Portal is a website that was established by UK Government in 2002 to allow planning applications in England and Wales to be processed electronically. It later added guidance and information content, interactive guides, an application service for Building Regulations approval and the ability to purchase site location plans.

The Royal Town Planning Institute champions the power of planning in creating prosperous places and vibrant communities.

The Planning Inspectorate deals with planning appeals, nationally significant infrastructure projects, planning permission, examinations of Local Plans and other planning-related and specialist casework.

The Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA) campaigns for the reform of the UK’s planning system to make it more responsive to people’s needs and to promote sustainable development.

ODPM was created as a central department in its own right in May 2002. It is responsible for policy on housing, planning, devolution, regional and local government and the fire service. It also takes responsibility for the Social Exclusion Unit, the Neighbourhood Renewal Unit and the Government Offices for the Regions.