Planning Policy Statement, PPS II, "Planning and Waste Management" sets out the Department’s planning policies for the development of waste management facilities including guidance on the issues likely to be considered in the determination of planning applications. In addition, it explains the relationship between the planning system and authorities responsible for the regulation and management of waste.

The planning system has a key role in determining the location of waste management facilities and in providing a process by which the public and their elected representatives can participate in the discussion and choice of appropriate sites. Planning Policy Statement II is intended to update the planning policy framework in order to facilitate the change in waste management proposed by the Waste Management Strategy. It seeks to provide guidance for District Councils, the private sector and the public as to the issues to be considered by the Planning Service in the determination of planning applications for new waste management facilities.