The Communities and Local Government department was created on 5 May 2006. Its aim is to build the capacity of communities to shape and protect their own future

If you are considering lodging an appeal against a decision of the Council you may find it useful to visit this site.

The Planning Portal is your one-stop-shop for planning information and services online.

On this site you are able to:

• Learn about the planning system
• Apply for planning permission
• Find out about development in your area
• Appeal against a planning decision
• Research the latest government policy

The Prime Minister has decided to create a new Department for Transport to focus solely on transport issues.

Her Majesty's Stationery Office delivers a wide range of services to the public, information industry and government relating to access and reuse of government information. Since 1996, when the sale of HMSO's trading operations refocused HMSO and its current portfolio of responsibilities, the shift from paper based formats to online e-service delivery has been significant.

The 'Sitefinder' Mobile Phone Base Station Database is a national database of mobile phone base stations and their emissions.

Dorset County Council provides higher tier services in Dorset, including education, social services, transport, trading standards and libraries.

Alterations and additions to your property may make you more vulnerable to crime than you realise. The Crime Prevention Officer at your local police station can provide helpful advice of way of reducing the risk.

Your local water company who will advice you on potential sewerage or water issues.

The RTPI exists to advance the science and art of town planning for the benefit of the public. Town planning involves much more than planning towns, and is often referred to simply as 'planning'.

The RICS has 110,000 members in 120 countries, addressing all aspects of land, property, construction and the associated environmental issues.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is a professional body for managers in construction.

The Royal Institute of British Architects, with 30,000 members, exists to further the cause of architecture in politics and culture, in the UK and internationally.

Local Authority Building Control (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.

English Nature is a government agency established to champion the conservation of wildlife, geology and wild places in England.

"We are the leading public body for protecting and improving the environment in England and Wales. It's our job to make sure that air, land and water are looked after by everyone in today's society, so that tomorrow's generations inherit a cleaner, healthier world."

Sir John Harman, Chairman.

The Environment Agency has produced standing advice to enable local planning authorities in England to make decisions on low risk planning applications where flood risk is an issue without directly consulting the Agency for an individual response. It also identifies those higher risk development situations where case by case consultation with the Agency should continue.

The Forestry Commission is a government agency responsible for forestry policy throughout Great Britain.

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body. It is funded by both the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).

English Heritage is a government agency established to make sure that the historic environment of England is properly maintained and cared for.

This web site offers information about good practice in urban design.

The Urban Design Alliance (UDAL) was formed in 1997 by seven professional and specialist organisations working to create quality towns and cities. The central goal of UDAL is to raise awareness of urban design, and the fundamental role it plays in creating sustainable, safe and desirable urban areas.

The Urban Design Group was formed in 1978 to bring together people involved in the decision making, creation and use of the urban environment.

The CPRE have launched a new website to help you influence planning decisions that affect your towns, cities and countryside.

RADAR is a national organisation run by and working with disabled people. It campaigns for equal rights for disabled people, promoting good practice and legislation that enables them to live independently in the community.