Why is that? Why is it that we have laws like that? Do the
majority of people really believe that this is the right way to
control what is built and where?

Much more likely that the vast majority of the populace have little idea of
what the detailed rules are nor the fact they are complex and filled with
anomalies. The so called United Kingdom is anything but when it comes to the
law. Get out there and campaign if you want the government to change!