High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Development control, planning control, or (in Scotland) development management is the element of the United Kingdom`s system of town and country planning through which local government regulates land use and new building. It relies on a "plan-led system" whereby development plans are formed and the public is consulted. Subsequent development requires planning permission, which is granted or refused with reference to the development plan as a material consideration. The term "development control" is often abbreviated to DC.