The Local Planning Authority (LPA)
LPA is the public authority whose duty through legislation is to carry out specific planning functions for a particular area.
This includes responsibility for:
- determining planning applications,
 - making Local Development Orders (LDOs)
 - making Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
 - producing Local Plans
 - undertaking planning enforcement
 - supporting Neighbourhood Planning
 
An LPA is normally a Council department and by law LPAs must act independently of other Council departments in carrying out its functions.