A local planning authority (LPA) is the local government body that is empowered by law to exercise urban planning functions for a particular area. They exist in the United Kingdom and India.

United Kingdom

Mineral planning authorities

The role of mineral planning authority is held by county councils, unitary authorities and national park authorities.

Waste planning authorities

The role of waste planning authority is held by county councils, unitary authorities and national park authorities.

England

For most matters, the planning authority is the borough, district or unitary council for the area. The non-metropolitan county councils (where they exist) are the planning authorities for minerals, waste and their own developments, such as most schools, care homes, fire stations and highways. The Mayor of London has the right to become the local planning authority for individual applications already submitted to a local planning authority. the local planning authorities in England are:

Wales

There are 25 local planning authorities in Wales. Of these, 22 are local authorities and 3 are national park authorities.

Scotland

In Scotland, where all of the local authorities are unitary, the term 'planning authority' is used without the 'local' prefix.

Northern Ireland

India