What principle guides the day-to-day decisions made by planning authorities?

The principle that guides the day-to-day decisions made by planning authorities is rooted in the Strategic Planning Principles. These principles provide a framework for effective land use planning and development, ensuring that decisions align with broader objectives for sustainable development, social equity, environmental protection, and economic growth. They help planning authorities balance competing interests and adhere to local and national requirements while making decisions about land use and future development.

The other options address specific areas or policies, but they do not operate at the same foundational level as the Strategic Planning Principles. For instance, the National Planning Policy Framework outlines overarching policies, while Housing and Homelessness Policy focuses on specific social issues related to housing. Similarly, a Local Business Development Strategy pertains narrowly to economic development rather than guiding all aspects of planning decisions. Thus, while these elements are important, they do not encapsulate the comprehensive guiding principles employed on a daily basis by planning authorities.