Abstract: The paper reviews the evolution of rural planning in England. It discusses and clarifies the differences between rural and urban areas, proposing that rural areas are preferred living places. The paper quotes statistics of the rural economy, census and designations, showing that the economic structure of rural areas is similar to that of urban areas. It further reviews the rural planning system, supported with a list of managing and maintenance organizations, along with key landscape and environmental designations. The last section highlights the imminent potential challenges to rural planning in England, followed by a discussion on how the government deals with them.