The Town and Country Planning Act 1947

The Town and Country Planning Act 1947 is the foundation of the modern UK planning system. Following the destruction of WWII, the government sought to control urban sprawl and reconstruct cities in a structured, deliberate manner.

Before 1947, landowners had largely unrestricted rights to build on their land. This Act effectively nationalized the right to develop land. From then on, anyone wishing to build or change the use of a property had to apply to the local planning authority for permission.

Green Belts and Conservation

The Act also laid the groundwork for the protection of historic buildings and the establishment of 'Green Belts' around major cities to prevent unchecked urban expansion, policies that continue to heavily restrict and shape UK property development today.