Reviews the key planning issues considered by the courts during 2003.The section on environmental impact assessment looks at: development consents; enforcement considerations; section 73 applications; later approvals; and the screening process. The planning inquiries section focuses on reasons for environmental impact assessment development consents and the scope of planning permissions. The enforcement section discusses: section 187B injunctions; the four-year rule; the demolition of existing buildings; the making of tree preservation orders; and nature conservation designations. The section on the application of planning policy considers the emergence of the importance of local plans; attempts to try and prevent a precedent and clarifies national policy. Other specific issues covered include: publicising planning applications; statements of common ground; competing future uses; permission costs in judicial review proceedings; and modifying section 106 agreements. Refers to case law throughout.