Planning Permission: A Comprehensive Guide for Law Students

Question 1

Identify a form of development allowed without planning permission.

Accepted Answer

Construction of a single-story house extension

Answer

Changing a building's use from residential to commercial

Answer

Demolishing a building

Answer

Creating a new highway access

Question 2

Which governmental body sets national planning policy?

Accepted Answer

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Answer

The Planning Inspectorate

Answer

The Environment Agency

Answer

The Local Government Association

Question 3

Who is responsible for granting planning permission in England?

Accepted Answer

Local planning authorities

Answer

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government

Answer

The Planning Inspectorate

Answer

The Environment Agency

Question 4

What is the role of the Planning Inspectorate in the planning process?

Accepted Answer

To decide appeals against planning decisions

Answer

To issue guidance on planning policy

Answer

To investigate complaints about planning authorities

Answer

To enforce planning decisions

Question 5

What is the key difference between outline planning permission and full planning permission?

Accepted Answer

Outline planning permission only approves the principle of development, while full planning permission approves the specific details of the development

Answer

Full planning permission is granted for a longer period than outline planning permission

Answer

Outline planning permission is more difficult to obtain than full planning permission

Answer

There is no difference between outline planning permission and full planning permission

Question 6

What is the meaning of "material consideration" in the context of planning law?

Accepted Answer

A factor that is relevant to the planning decision

Answer

A factor that is determinative of the planning decision

Answer

A factor that is given great weight in the planning decision

Answer

A factor that is excluded from the planning decision

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a type of planning permission?

Accepted Answer

Enforcement planning permission

Answer

Outline planning permission

Answer

Full planning permission

Answer

Conditional planning permission

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a ground for refusal of planning permission?

Accepted Answer

The applicant has made an error in the application form

Answer

The development would be harmful to the character or appearance of the area

Answer

The development would be a danger to public health

Answer

The development would be in conflict with the local development plan

Question 9

What is the role of the Planning Inspectorate in the planning process?

Accepted Answer

To determine appeals against planning decisions made by local planning authorities

Answer

To provide advice and guidance to local planning authorities on planning matters

Answer

To prepare local development plans

Answer

To enforce planning control

Question 10

Which of the following is NOT a statutory consultee in the planning process?

Accepted Answer

The local residents' association

Answer

The Environment Agency

Answer

The Highways Authority

Answer

The local water company

Question 11

What is the time limit for appealing a planning decision to the Planning Inspectorate?

Accepted Answer

12 weeks

Answer

6 weeks

Answer

6 months

Answer

12 months

Question 12

What is the **initial** step in the procedure for obtaining planning permission?

Accepted Answer

Submit a planning application to the local planning authority

Answer

Engage with the local community to gather feedback

Answer

Hire an architect to design the proposed development

Answer

Conduct an environmental impact assessment

Question 13

What is the **primary** purpose of an outline planning permission?

Accepted Answer

To grant permission for the principle of a development, but not its detailed design

Answer

To grant permission for the full development, including its detailed design

Answer

To allow for minor changes to an existing development

Answer

To grant permission for temporary developments

Question 14

Who is primarily responsible for determining planning applications in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

The local planning authority

Answer

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government

Answer

The Environment Agency

Answer

The Planning Inspectorate

Question 15

What is the **main** implication of the presumption in favor of sustainable development in the planning system?

Accepted Answer

It places a burden on developers to demonstrate that their proposals are sustainable

Answer

It requires planning authorities to approve all development proposals that are sustainable

Answer

It gives planning authorities greater flexibility in making decisions

Answer

It has no practical effect on the planning system

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a type of planning permission in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Subsequent approval

Answer

Outline planning permission

Answer

Detailed planning permission

Answer

Conditional planning permission

Question 17

What is the initial step in the process of obtaining planning permission?

Accepted Answer

Submitting a planning application

Answer

Consulting with the local planning authority

Answer

Conducting an environmental impact assessment

Answer

Obtaining a building permit

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a reason for refusing planning permission?

Accepted Answer

The applicant has submitted insufficient information.

Answer

The proposed development conflicts with the local development plan.

Answer

The proposed development would significantly harm the environment.

Answer

The proposed development would negatively impact the character of the area.

Question 19

Can planning permission be granted retrospectively?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only in exceptional circumstances

Answer

Yes, in all cases

Answer

No, it is never possible to obtain planning permission retrospectively

Answer

It depends on the local planning authority

Question 20

What is the distinction between outline planning permission and detailed planning permission?

Accepted Answer

Outline planning permission outlines general principles, while detailed planning permission provides specific details.

Answer

Detailed planning permission outlines general principles, while outline planning permission provides specific details.

Answer

There is no distinction between outline planning permission and detailed planning permission.

Answer

Outline planning permission must always precede detailed planning permission.

Question 21

What is a 'material consideration' in the planning process?

Accepted Answer

A factor that is relevant to the decision on whether to grant or refuse planning permission

Answer

A factor that is not relevant to the decision on whether to grant or refuse planning permission

Answer

A factor that is only relevant to the decision on whether to grant planning permission

Answer

A factor that is only relevant to the decision on whether to refuse planning permission

Question 22

What is the purpose of the National Planning Policy Framework?

Accepted Answer

To outline the government's planning policies for England.

Answer

To outline the planning policies for Wales

Answer

To outline the planning policies for Scotland

Answer

To outline the planning policies for Northern Ireland.

Question 23

What is the key difference between planning permission and listed building consent in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Planning permission is required for all new development, while listed building consent is only required for alterations to listed buildings

Answer

Listed building consent is required for all new development, while planning permission is only required for alterations to listed buildings

Answer

Planning permission is required for all development, including alterations to listed buildings

Answer

Listed building consent is required for all development, including alterations to listed buildings

Question 24

Identify the option that is NOT a type of planning permission in the UK:

Accepted Answer

Listed building consent

Answer

Outline planning permission

Answer

Full planning permission

Answer

Detailed planning permission

Question 25

Which authority is primarily responsible for granting planning permission in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Local planning authorities

Answer

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government

Answer

The Environment Agency

Answer

The Planning Inspectorate

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a potential ground for refusal of planning permission?

Accepted Answer

The proposed development would benefit the local community

Answer

The proposed development would harm the character of the area

Answer

The proposed development would be harmful to the environment

Answer

The proposed development would be contrary to the local development plan

Question 27

What is the primary role of the Planning Inspectorate in the planning permission process?

Accepted Answer

To adjudicate planning appeals

Answer

To issue planning guidance

Answer

To enforce planning regulations

Answer

To advise local planning authorities

Question 28

What is the purpose of preparing a design brief?

Accepted Answer

To outline the client's requirements and vision for the proposed development

Answer

To provide a detailed description of the proposed development

Answer

To assess the impact of the proposed development on the environment

Answer

To obtain planning permission for the proposed development

Question 29

What is the primary purpose of a local development plan?

Accepted Answer

To outline the planning policies and objectives for a particular area

Answer

To provide a detailed description of all the land within a particular area

Answer

To identify areas for development and conservation

Answer

To grant planning permission for specific developments

Question 30

What is the initial step in the process of obtaining planning permission?

Accepted Answer

Submitting a planning application to the local planning authority

Answer

Conducting an environmental impact assessment

Answer

Consulting with neighbors

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a ground for refusal of planning permission?

Accepted Answer

The proposed development would be beneficial to the character of the area

Answer

The proposed development would be contrary to the local development plan

Answer

The proposed development would have an unacceptable impact on the environment

Question 32

What is the purpose of a Section 106 agreement?

Accepted Answer

To secure planning obligations from developers

Answer

To grant planning permission for a limited period of time

Answer

To allow for the compulsory purchase of land

Answer

To create a locally listed building or structure

Question 33

What is the function of the Planning Inspectorate in the planning process?

Accepted Answer

To rule on appeals against planning decisions

Answer

To grant planning permission

Answer

To provide guidance to local planning authorities

Answer

To enforce planning control

Question 34

What is the purpose of a development plan?

Accepted Answer

To set out the planning policies for a specific area

Answer

To enforce planning control

Answer

To grant planning permission for specific developments

Question 35

What is the distinction between a green belt and an area of outstanding natural beauty?

Accepted Answer

A green belt is designated to prevent urban sprawl, while an area of outstanding natural beauty is designated to protect its natural beauty.

Answer

A green belt is larger than an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Question 36

What is the purpose of a planning enforcement notice?

Accepted Answer

To require a person to comply with planning control

Answer

To grant planning permission

Answer

To impose a fine

Question 37

What is the title of the UK government department in charge of planning policy?

Accepted Answer

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Answer

Department of the Environment

Answer

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT a type of development that requires planning permission in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Permitted development

Answer

Planning Permission in Principle

Answer

Outline Planning Permission

Answer

Full Planning Permission

Question 39

What is the statutory deadline for a local planning authority to determine a planning application for a major development?

Accepted Answer

13 weeks

Answer

8 weeks

Answer

6 weeks

Answer

16 weeks

Question 40

Which of the following is a ground for refusal of planning permission under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990?

Accepted Answer

The proposed development would have a significant adverse impact on the amenity of neighboring properties.

Answer

The applicant is not the legal owner of the land.

Answer

The proposal is too small.

Question 41

What is the purpose of a Section 106 Agreement in the context of planning permission?

Accepted Answer

To secure legally-binding planning obligations from developers.

Answer

To allow the local planning authority to charge a fee for planning permission.

Answer

To provide financial assistance to developers.

Answer

To speed up the planning application process.

Question 42

Which of the following government departments is responsible for overseeing planning in England?

Accepted Answer

Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Answer

Environment Agency

Answer

Ministry of Justice

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT a consideration in the determination of a planning application under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990?

Accepted Answer

The applicant's personal circumstances.

Answer

The impact of the proposal on the environment.

Answer

The local development plan.

Answer

The views of local residents.

Question 44

Which of the following is a type of development that is considered to be permitted development under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order?

Accepted Answer

Extensions to single-family homes up to a certain size.

Answer

Conversion of office buildings to residential use.

Answer

Construction of new schools.

Answer

Development of land for agricultural purposes.

Question 45

What is the name of the legal principle that requires local planning authorities to consider only matters that are relevant to the planning application?

Accepted Answer

Materiality

Answer

Delegation

Answer

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