The statutory planning framework for the district is based on national guidance and statements (PPS and PPGs) and the Council's current Development Plan. The Development Plan comprises three elements; the Regional Spatial Strategy (the East of England Plan 2008), the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Structure Plan 2003 and the Fenland District-Wide Local Plan 1993.

The planning policy framework sets out guidance and policies that determine how land and buildings should be allocated for particular purposes and against what criteria the Council should determine planning applications and appeals.

The Fenland District-Wide Local Plan 1993 will eventually be replaced by the Local Development Framework (LDF). It is the role of the Council's Planning Policy team to prepare the necessary documents and studies that will come together to form the LDF and which will guide future development in the district.