Glossary
This glossary is a summary of keywords and phrases relating to land use and spatial planning matters, of particular relevant to the advice contained in this Guide. It is important to note that the Glossary is neither a statement of law nor an interpretation of the law, and its status is only an introductory guide to planning issues and should not be used as a source for statutory definitions. To jump quickly to sections of the glossary please click on the relvant letters below.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
AAdvisory Team for Large Applications (ATLAS) Body funded by Communities and Local Government to help unblock the issues holding up decisions on large planning applications, increase the knowledge and expertise of local authorities in handling such projects, share good practice across the sector and act as a partner to local authorities and independent reviewer of large applications and issues
Affordable Housing (or sub-market housing). Housing, whether for rent, shared ownership or outright purchase, provided at a cost considered affordable in relation to incomes that are average or below average, or in relation to the price of general market housing.
Appeal. The process whereby a planning applicant can challenge an adverse decision, including a refusal of permission. Appeals can also be made against the failure of the planning authority to issue a decision within a given time, against conditions attached to permission, against the issue of an enforcement notice and against refusals of listed building and conservation area consent. In England and Wales, appeals are processed by the Planning Inspectorate
Area Action Plan. A type of Development Plan Document focused upon a specific location or an area subject to conservation or significant change (for example major regeneration).
Article 14 Direction. A ’holding’ direction (often a letter) issued by the by government stating that a local planning authority cannot grant planning permission for a particular proposal until further notice.
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B
Barker Review (Housing Supply) Kate Barker review of housing supply commissioned by HM Treasury and what was the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister:
Barker Review (Land Use Planning) Kate Barker review of land use planning that focused on the link between planning and economic growth
Best Value. The way an authority measures, manages and improves its performance with regard to government targets
Betterment. Means through the tax system of capturing the development value of land for the benefit of the community.
Brief / Planning Brief. A planning brief can include site-specific development briefs, design briefs, development frameworks and master plans that seek to positively shape future development.
C
CABE. Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment. A public body acting as a champion of good design in England.
’Call-in’ or Called-in Planning Application. The Secretary of State can "call in" certain planning applications that local authorities propose to approve. For example, where it may have wider effects beyond the immediate locality, significant regional or national controversy, or potential conflict with national policy. These will then be subject to a public inquiry presided over by a Planning Inspector who will make recommendation to the Secretary of State who will decide the application instead of the local planning authority.
Circular A Government publication setting out policy approaches.
Climate Change Long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, wind and all other aspects of the Earth’s climate. Often attributed to human activity and fossil fuel consumption.
Community Infrastructure Fund
Fund designed to support the transport infrastructure costs required to enable faster housing development in four growth areas (Thames Gateway, Milton Keynes/South Midlands, London/Stanstead/Cambridge/Peterborough and Ashford) as part of the Sustainable Communities Plan. It will complement, not replace mainstream transport spending in the four areas.
Comprehensive Development
The opposite of piecemeal development whereby two or more sites are amalgamated in order to obtain a better form of development than would have occurred otherwise. For example a single form of access could be achieved rather than creating several new access points.
Communities & Local Government (CLG). The Central Government Department dealing with planning and sustainable communities, setting national policy and good practice guidance. Formerly know as the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM)
Community Strategy A strategy prepared by local authorities to help deliver local community aspirations, under the Local Government Act 2000.
Conditions (or ‘planning condition’) Requirements attached to a planning permission to limit or direct the manner in which a development is carried out.
Contaminated Land
Land which requires some remedial action to remove or treat contamination; so as to render it suitable for its intended use.
Core strategy A Development Plan Development setting out the spatial vision and objectives of the planning framework for an area, having regard to the Community Strategy (see also DPDs).
Cumulative Impact A number of developments in a locality or a continuous activity over time that together may have an increased impact on the environment, local community or economy.
D
Density. In the case of residential development, a measurement of either the number of habitable rooms per hectare or the number of dwellings per hectare.
Departure. A proposed development that is not in accordance with the adopted development plan, but for which the local planning authority proposes to grant planning permission (subject to no intervention from the government).
Decision Notice
A formal document which sets out the decision, including any conditions of permission and reasons for their imposition or reasons for refusal. A decision notice has to be read in connection with the application plans which form part of the decision.
Delegation / Delegated Decision
A scheme whereby the power to decide an application or category of applications is given to a specific committee or officer. Most Councils operate schemes of delegation which allow for most minor/uncontested applications to be determined at officer level, with the more complex and controversial applications being decided by Committee or Sub Committeee of relevant members.
Design Code A set of illustrated design rules and requirements which instruct and may advise on the physical development of a site or area. The graphic and written components of the code are often detailed and precise, and build upon a design vision such as a masterplan or other design and development framework for a site or area.
Design Guide. A document providing guidance on how development can be carried out in accordance with good design practice often produced by a local authority with a view to retaining local distinctiveness.These can also be area or theme based.
Design & Access Statement. A design and access statement must now accompany most applications, and certainly for large scale and/or complex proposals. It is a document that explains and justifies the design of the proposals..
Detailed Application / Full application. A planning application seeking full permission for a development proposal, with no matters reserved for later planning approval.
Determination. The process by which a local planning authority reaches a decision on whether a proposed development requires planning permission.
Development. Development is defined under the 1990 Town and Country Planning Act as "the carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operation in, on, over or under land, or the making of any material change in the use of any building or other land." Most forms of development require planning permission (see also "permitted development").
Development Control & Development Management. The process whereby a local planning authority receives and considers the merits of a planning application and whether it should be given permission having regard to the development plan and all other material considerations.
Development Limits & Development Boundaries. Development limits identify the area within which development proposals would be acceptable, subject to complying with other policies contained in the Development Plan. They seek to prevent development from gradually extending into the surrounding countryside.
Development Plan. A document setting out the local planning authority’s policies and proposals for the development and use of land and buildings in the authority’s area. It includes Unitary, Structure, and Local Plans prepared under transitional arrangements. It also includes the new-look Regional Spatial Strategies and Development Plan Documents prepared under the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act of 2004.
Development Plan Documents (DPDs). Development Plan Documents are prepared by local planning authorities and outline the key development goals of the local development framework. Development Plan Documents include the core strategy, site-specific allocations of land and, where needed, area action plans. There will also be an adopted proposals map which illustrates the spatial extent of policies that must be prepared and maintained to accompany all DPDs. All DPDs must be subject to rigorous procedures of community involvement, consultation and independent examination, and adopted after receipt of the inspector’s binding report. Once adopted, development control decisions must be made in accordance with them unless material considerations indicate otherwise. DPDs form an essential part of the Local Development Framework.
Development Team (approach)
A concept of providing a range of Council control services related to the development and use of land in a co-ordinated and efficient manner. For example ensuring that potential developers are aware of the various different legislative and policy requirements that they may encounter at the earliest opportunity. In this way a developer may progress a proposal more speedily and with minimal abortive work. Ideally this approach reaches beyond the responsibilities of the local planning authority where appropriate.
E
Eco-towns Exemplar ‘green developments’ of 5000 to 20,000 homes, they meet the highest standards of sustainability, including low and zero carbon technologies and quality public transport systems. They make use of brownfield and surplus public sector land where practical and lead the way in design, facilities, services and community involvement.
English Heritage Government body with responsibility for all aspects of protecting and promoting the historic environment.
English Nature Government advisors on nature conservation in England, now known as "Natural England"
Environment Agency A governmental body that aims to prevent or minimise the effects of pollution on the environment and issues permits to monitor and control activities that handle or produce waste. It also deals with other matters such as water issues including flood protection advice.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and Environmental Statement (EA) Applicants for certain types of development are required to submit an “environmental statement” accompanying a planning application. This evaluates the likely environmental impacts of the development, together with an assessment of how the severity of the impacts could be reduced.
Evidence Base The information and data gathered by local authorities to justify the “soundness” of the policy approach set out in Local Development Documents, including physical, economic, and social characteristics of an area.
F
Flood Risk Assessment An assessment of the likelihood of flooding in a particular area so that development needs and mitigation measures can be carefully considered.
Full Application See ‘Detailed application’.
G
Grampian Condition
This type of condition specifies a particular requirement that needs to be met before the proposed development can be commenced, (eg the completion of certain off-site highway alterations), and invariably involves matters outside the control of the applicant. For this reason it has previously been thought that there should be a reasonable prospect of the work being carried out. However, a recent court case suggests that this need not be the case. The term derives from a previous case involving Grampian Regional Council.
Green Belt
Statutory designation that protects open land (usually surrounding towns and cities) from inappropriate development and urbanisation.
Greenfield (site)
A site which has not so far been used for urban development although it may have had a use such as agriculture or open space. The term should not be confused with Green Belt which is a policy description. A green field site may not necessarily be within the Green Belt.
Growth Areas
Four areas within the South East where additional growth is being managed in a sustainable way. Current areas are: Thames Gateway, Milton Keynes – South Midlands; London – Stanstead – Cambridge – Peterborough and Ashford.
Growth Points
A non -statutory designation of places where growth pressure exists and housebuilding rates are expected to be higher than rates set out in existing plans. These are ste within the context of establishing "partnerships fro growth" with agencies working together to appriase and deliver on higher growth aspirations. Funding has been made available.
H
Habitable rooms Any room used or intended to be used for sleeping, cooking, living or eating purposes. Enclosed spaces such as bath or toilet facilities, service rooms, corridors, laundries, hallways, utility rooms or similar spaces are excluded from this definition.
Highway A publicly maintained road, together with footways and verges.
Highways Agency An executive agency of the Department of Transport. The Highways Agency is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the strategic road network of England.
Home Builders Federation (HBF)
The Home Builders Federation is the principal trade organisation for private sector housebuilders, which brings together key members of the house building industry in England and Wales.
Homes and Communities Agency. New agency created following the merger of English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation, also incorporating other elements relating to housing growth
Housing Associations Common term for the 2000 or so independent, not-for-profit organisations registered with and regulated by the Housing Corporation. Housing Associations are able to bid for funding from the Housing Corporation. See also: Registered Social Landlords.
Housing Corporation The national Government agency that funds new affordable housing and regulates housing associations in England - now embodied in the Homes & Communities Agency.
Housing Land Availability (HLA) The total amount of land reserved for residential use awaiting development.
I
Independent Examination The process by which an Independent Planning Inspector may publicly examine a ‘Development Plan Document’ or a ‘Statement of Community Involvement’, and any representations, before issuing a binding report.
Infill development Building on a relatively small site between existing buildings.
Infrastructure The physical features (for example roads, rails, and stations) that make up the transport network.
Inquiry (sometimes known as a Public Local Inquiry) A public examination of certain development plans and planning applications, by an Independent Planning Inspector, who will then issue a report of recommendations into the matters discussed.
Intermediate affordable housing
This is housing in which prices and rents are above that of social rent but below market rents and prices. These can include shared equity (e.g. HomeBuy) and other low-cost homes for sale.
Issues, Options and Preferred Options The “pre-submission” consultation stages on DPDs with the objective of gaining public consensus over proposals ahead of submission to Government for independent examination.
J
Judicial Review A procedure by which the high court may review the reasonableness of decisions made by administrative authorities or lower courts, for example a planning decision. Examines the technical soundness of a decision rather than the specific planning merits.
K
Key worker housing
This is housing provided for front line workers in essential public services where there are serious recruitment and retention problems. Usually funded through equity loans, shared ownership schemes or subsidised rent schemes.
L
Layout The way buildings, routes and open spaces are placed or laid out on the ground in relation to each other.
Legibility (in terms of settlement patterns) Locations, streets, open spaces and places that have a clear image and are easy to understand. For example, a location that is easy to find your way around.
Lifetime Homes Standards Criteria developed by a group convened by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in 1991 to help house builders produce new homes flexible enough to deal with changes in life situations of occupants e.g. caring for young children, temporary injuries, declining mobility with age.
Local Area Agreement (LAA) A three year agreement, based on local Sustainable Community Strategies, that sets out the priorities for a local area agreed between Central Government, represented by the Government Office (GO), and a local area, represented by the local authority and other key partners through Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs).
Local Centre Includes a range of small shops and perhaps limited services of a local nature, serving a small catchment. Sometimes also referred to as a local neighbourhood centre.
Local Delivery Vehicle (LDV). Some form of body established to co-ordinate and manage housing & economic growth for a defined local/sub-regional area. These can be set up as statutory bodies (ie UDC) or as non statutory partnerships (ie URC, LLP).
Local Development Documents (LDDs) These include Development Plan Documents, which will form part of the statutory development plan, and Supplementary Planning Documents, which do not form part of the statutory development plan. LDDs collectively deliver the spatial planning strategy for the local planning authority’s area, and they may be prepared jointly between local planning authorities.
Local Development Framework (LDF) The local development framework is a non-statutory term used to describe a folder of documents, which includes all the local planning authority’s local development documents (comprised of development plan documents, which will form part of the statutory development plan, and supplementary planning documents). The local development framework will also comprise the statement of community involvement, the local development scheme and the annual monitoring report.
Local Development Scheme (LDS) The local planning authority’s time-scaled programme for the preparation of Local Development Documents that must be agreed with Government and reviewed every year.
Local Plan An old-style development plan prepared by District and other Local Planning Authorities. These plans will continue to operate for a time after the commencement of the new development plan system, by virtue of specific transitional provisions.
Local Planning Authority The local authority or council that is empowered by law to exercise planning functions. Often the local borough or district council.
Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) An overall partnership of people that brings together organisations from the public, private, community and voluntary sector within a local authority area, with the objective of improving people’s quality of life.
Local Transport Plan A five-year integrated transport strategy, prepared by local authorities in partnership with the community, seeking funding to help provide local transport projects. The plan sets out the resources predicted for delivery of the targets identified in the strategy. Local transport plans should be consistent with the policies and priorities set out in the Regional Transport Strategy as an integral part of the RSS.
M
Masterplan A set of strategies, proposals or 'blueprint' for the physical change of an area. It should address issues of urban and landscape design, connectivioty and movement, sustainability, delivery and phasing.
Material Consideration A matter that should be taken into account in deciding on a planning application or on an appeal against a planning decision.
Mixed use (or mixed use development) Provision of a mix of complementary uses, such as say residential, community and leisure uses, on a site or within a particular area.
Multi Area Agreement (MAA) Similar to Local Area Agreement but covering more than one Local Authority boundary to set out the priorities for the area agreed between Central Government, represented by the Government Office (GO), and a local area, represented by the local authority and other key partners through Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs).
N
National Housing and Planning Advice Unit
Established in 2004, its task is to help make market housing more affordable and to address the trend in the rise in the number of people prevented from getting on the property ladder. This is done through providing independent advice to government and regions regarding the impact of planned housing provision on affordability, as well as researching specific practical and policy issues.
Natural England Government advisors on nature conservation in England, previously known as "English Nature"
Nature Conservation The protection, management and promotion of wildlife habitat for the benefit of wild species, as well as the communities that use and enjoy them.
Neighbourhood Centre A number of shops serving a local neighbourhood and separate from the district centre. Sometimes referred to as a Local Centre.
New Towns & New Town Development Corporations New Towns were planned urban communities under the 1946 New Towns Act. Their main purpose was to reduce congestion in major cities through the creation of attractive urban units that would provide local employment for their residents.
O
Objectives and Indicators Objectives are what are trying to be achieved, and indicators are measures that show whether or not objectives are being achieved. They can be used to help show whether planning policy is effective, or be used in helping to conduct a Sustainability Appraisal.
ODPM. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister - now known as the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG)
Open Space All space of public value, including not just land, but also areas of water such as rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs, which can offer opportunities for sport and recreation. They can also act as a visual amenity and a haven for wildlife.
Outline application A general application for planning permission to establish that a development is acceptable in principle, subject to subsequent approval of detailed matters.
P
Place Making. The process of urban and landscape design, taken together with the various influences that will inform the creation of successful places characterised by quality, both in terms of function and in terms of experience
Place Shaping. The concept of a strategic role for local government as advocated by the Lyons Inquiry into Local Government (March 2007). It promotes local government making creative use of its powers and influence to promote the general well-being of a community and its citizens.Land use planing has a key role to play in this new agenda.
Plan-led system The principle that decisions upon planning applications should be made in accordance with adopted development plans (and DPDs), unless there are other material considerations that may indicate otherwise.
Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 The Act updates elements of the 1990 Town & Country Planning Act. The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 introduces a statutory system for regional planning; a new system for local planning; reforms to the development control and compulsory purchase and compensation systems; and removes crown immunity from planning controls.
Planning Advisory Service A service set up by Government to help and advise local planning authorities struggling to meet best value performance targets for development control.
Planning Consultant A consultant that specialises in giving planning advice.
Planning Delivery Grant PDG is providing about £600 million over six years (2003–2008), to resource and incentivise regional planning bodies and local authorities to improve the planning system and deliver sustainable communities. Allocations are based on assessment of performance across a range of planning functions.
Planning for Real A consultation method involving creative exercise (for example the use of maps and model buildings) designed to enable public engagement in “real” plan making.
Planning Gain The benefits or safeguards, often for community benefit, secured as part of a planning approval and usually provided at the developer’s expense. For example, affordable housing, community facilities or mitigation measures.
Planning Inspectorate (PINS) The Government body responsible for: the processing of planning and enforcement appeals; holding inquiries into local development plans; examinations of development plan documents and statements of community involvement; listed building consent appeals; advertisement appeals; reporting on planning applications called in for decision by the Department of Communities & Local Government; various compulsory purchase orders, rights of way cases; and cases arising from the Environmental Protection and Water Acts and the Transport and Works Act and other highways legislation are also dealt with.
Planning Obligations and Agreements A legal agreements between a planning authority and a developer, or offered unilaterally by a developer, ensuring that certain extra works related to a development are undertaken. For example, the provision of highways. Sometimes called a “section 106” agreement.
Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) An agreement between a planning authority and a developer that sets out the process and issues to evolve and determine a major planning proposal. PPAs have evolved from a previous initiative on "Planning Delivery Agreements", and are now a formal part of the planning system, each having individually defined work programmes which removes them from the standard 13/16 week development control target regime. For more information click here.
Planning permission Formal approval sought from a Council, often granted with conditions, allowing a proposed development to proceed. Permission may be sought in principle through outline plans, or be sought in detail through full plans.
Planning Policy Guidance (PPG) Issued by central Government setting out its national land use policies for England on different areas of planning. These are being replaced by Planning Policy Statements.
Planning Policy Statement (PPS) Issued by central Government to replace the existing Planning Policy Guidance notes, in order to provide greater clarity and to remove from national policy advice on practical implementation, which is better expressed as guidance rather than policy.
Planning Portal A national website for members of the public, local planning authorities and planning consultants seeking advice and information on planning matters (www.planningportal.gov.uk).
Previously Developed Land (PDL) or ‘Brownfield’ land Previously developed land is that which is or was occupied by a permanent structure (excluding agricultural or forestry buildings), and associated fixed surface infrastructure. The definition covers the curtilage of the development. Planning Policy Guidance Note 3 “Housing” has a detailed definition.
Proposals Map The component of a development plan, or LDF, showing the location of proposals in the plan, on an Ordnance Survey base map.
Public open space Urban space, designated by a Council, where public access may or may not be formally established, but which fulfils or can fulfil a recreational or non-recreational role (for example, amenity, ecological, educational, social or cultural usages).
Public realm The parts of a village, town or city (whether publicly or privately owned) that is available, without charge, for everyone to use. This includes streets, squares and parks.
Q
R
Regional Housing Boards (RHBs)
RHBs are responsible for the preparation of Regional Housing Strategies (RHSs), and advising ministers on how the region’s allocation of funding for housing capital works (the Regional Housing Pot) should be spent.
Regional Housing Strategies
Produced by RHBs, they address the particular housing needs of a region, in order to determine how housing resources should be allocated.
Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) A strategy for how a region should look in 15 to 20 years time and possibly longer. It identifies the scale and distribution of new housing in the region, indicates areas for regeneration, expansion or sub-regional planning and specifies priorities for the environment, transport, infrastructure, economic development, agriculture, minerals and waste treatment and disposal. Most former Regional Planning Guidance is now considered RSS and forms part of the development plan. New RSS is being prepared by RPBs.
Regional Sustainable Development Framework (RSDF) High-level documents that set out a vision for sustainable development in each region, and the region’s contribution to sustainable development at the national level. In doing so, frameworks take a wide overview of regional activity and the regional impact of Government policy. For example, “Sustaine: The Integrated Regional Framework for the North East”.
Regional Transport Strategy A strategy produced by the Regional Planning Body, informing local transport plans, and providing a strategic overview of transport strategies and investment priorities.
Registered Social Landlord (RSL) Technical name for a body registered with the Housing Corporation. Most Housing Associations are RSLs. They own or manage some 1.4 million affordable homes, both social rented and intermediate. See also: Housing Association.
Reserved Matters Where an ’outline’ application has already been submitted and approved, a further application for the ’reserved’ or outstanding matters is required. The outline permission must not have expired and the submitted details must accord with the outline approval including any conditions attached to that permission.
Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) A professional body furthering the art and science of town and country planning. Members can be accredited the status of MRTPI.
S
Saved Policies / Saved Plan Policies within Unitary Development Plans, Local Plans, and Structure Plans that are saved for a time period during replacement production of Local Development Documents.
Section 106 Agreement A legal agreement under section 106 of the 1990 Town & Country Planning Act. See also: Planning Obligations and Agreements.
Sequential approach / sequential test A planning principle that seeks to identify, allocate or development certain types or locations of land before the consideration of others. For example, Brownfield housing sites before Greenfield sites, or town centre retail sites before out-of-centre sites.
Setting The place or way in which something is set, for example the position or surroundings of a listed building.
Settlement pattern The distinctive way that roads, paths, buildings and open space are laid out in a particular place.
Social Inclusion Positive action taken to include all sectors of society in planning and other decision-making.
Social rented housing
Housing that is owned and managed by local authorities and registered social landlords, which complies with national rent regime guidelines. It may also include Rented housing owned or managed by other persons may be included if provided under equivalent rental arrangements to the above, and agreed with the local authority or with the Housing Corporation as a condition of grant.
Soundness A term referring to the justification of a Development Plan Document. A DPD is considered “sound” and based upon good evidence unless it can be shown to be unsound.
Spatial Development Changes in the distribution of activities in space and the linkages between them in terms of the use and development of land.
Spatial Planning Spatial planning goes beyond traditional land use planning to bring together and integrate policies for the development and use of land with other policies and programmes which influence the nature of places and how they function. That will include policies which can impact on land use, for example by influencing the demands on, or needs for, development, but which are not capable of being delivered solely or mainly through the granting or refusal of planning permission and which may be implemented by other means.
Spatial Vision A brief description of how the area will be changed at the end of the plan period (often 10 – 15 years).
Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) The SCI sets out standards to be achieved by the local authority in involving the community in the preparation, alteration and continuing review of all local development documents and development control decisions.
Statement of Consultation / Statement of Compliance A report or statement issued by local planning authorities explaining how they have complied with their SCI during consultation on Local Development Documents.
Statutory Required by law (statute), usually through an Act of Parliament.
Statutory Body A Government appointed body set up to give statutory advice and comment upon development plans and planning applications affecting matters of public interest. (For example, Countryside Agency, English Heritage, Natural England, Environment Agency, Health & Safety Executive, Regional Development Agency, and Sport England).
Statutory Undertakers / Statutory Utilities Providers of essential services such as gas, electricity, water or telecommunications.
Sterilisation When development or land use changes prevent possible mineral exploitation in the foreseeable future.
Strategic Development Control Policies These policies are implemented directly through the grant and refusal of planning permission and are part of the Regional Spatial Strategy.
Strategic Employment Site A key employment site in a strategic location capable of accommodating major investment, often of national or regional significance.
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) An environmental assessment of certain plans and programmes, including those in the field of planning and land use, which complies with the EU Directive 2001/42/EC.
Structure Plan An old-style development plan, which sets out strategic planning policies and forms the basis for detailed policies in local plans and Development Plan Documents. These plans will continue to operate for a time after the commencement of the new development plan system, due to transitional provisions under planning reform.
Submission Document A Development Plan Document submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination before a Government appointed Planning Inspector.
Sub-regional partnership A sub-regional strategic body directing, influencing and co-ordinating a range of economic development and regeneration activities often made up of key private, public and other interests.
Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) An SPD is a Local Development Document that may cover a range of issues, thematic or site specific, and provides further detail of policies and proposals in a ‘parent’ DPD.
Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) An SPG may cover a range of issues, both thematic and site specific and provide further detail of policies and proposals in a Development Plan. SPGs can be saved when linked to policy under transitional arrangements.
Sustainability Appraisal (including Environmental Appraisal) The process of weighing and assessing all the policies in a development plan, Local Development Document, or Regional Spatial Strategy, for their global, national and local implications. (See also Strategic Environmental Assessment).
Sustainable Communities Places where people want to live and work, now and in the future.
Sustainable Communities Plan A long-term programme of action, published in February 2003, to tackle the shortage of housing in London and the South East and low demand and abandonment in the North and Midlands and to create sustainable communities.
Sustainable Development A widely used definition drawn up by the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987: "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". The Government has set out four aims for sustainable development in its strategy “A Better Quality of Life, a Strategy for Sustainable Development in the UK”. The four aims, to be achieved at the same time, are: social progress which recognises the needs of everyone; effective protection of the environment; the prudent use of natural resources; and maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment.
Sustainable travel / sustainable transport Often meaning walking, cycling and public transport (and in some circumstances “car sharing”), which is considered to be less damaging to the environment and which contributes less to traffic congestion than one-person car journeys.
T
Third Party
This term refers to any other interested person, organisation, body or group, who are not the Council or the applicant for planning permission.
Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) An assessment of the effects upon the surrounding area by traffic as a result of a development, such as increased traffic flows that may require highway improvements.
Transport Assessment (TA) An assessment of the availability of, and levels of access to, all forms of transportation.
Travel Demand Management Planning the travel impacts of existing and new developments to minimise travel needs and provide travel choices for example by efficient car usage (including car sharing), bicycles, and walking and public transport.
Travel Plan (sometimes called a ‘green travel’ or ‘commuter’ plan) A travel plan aims to promote sustainable travel choices (for example cycling) as an alternative to single occupancy car journeys that may impact negatively on the environment, congestion and road safety. Travel Plans can be required when granting planning permission for new developments.
U
Urban Development Corporation (UDC). A non-departmental public body whose objective is to promote regeneration, housing & economic growth. UDCs can have development control powers (usually related only to large scale projects.
Unitary Development Plan An old-style development plan prepared by a Metropolitan District and some Unitary Local Authorities which contains policies equivalent to those in both a Structure Plan and Local Plan. These plans will continue to operate for a time after the commencement of the new development plan system, by virtue of specific transitional provisions.
Urban design The art of making places. It involves the design of buildings, groups of buildings, spaces and landscapes, in villages, towns and cities, and the establishment of frameworks and processes, which facilitate successful development.
Urban extension Involves the spreading of a city or densely populated area, and can contribute to creating more sustainable patterns of development when located in the right place, with well-planned infrastructure including access to a range of facilities, and when developed at appropriate densities.
Urban Fringe The Urban Fringe is the countryside around towns. It can provide a valuable resource for the provision of sport and recreation, particularly in situations where there is an absence of land within urban areas to meet provision.
Urban Housing Capacity Study (UHCS) A study produced for a local planning authority area examining the potential capacity of urban areas to accommodate extra housing on new or redeveloped sites at various densities, or by the conversion of existing buildings.
Urban Regeneration Making an urban area develop or grow strong again through means such as job creation and environmental renewal.
V
Vernacular The way in which ordinary buildings were built in a particular place, making use of local styles, techniques and materials and responding to local economic and social conditions.
Viability In terms of retailing, a centre that is capable of success or continuing effectiveness. In terms of development economics, where the end value of a project exceeds costs.
Vitality In terms of retailing, the ability of a centre to create critical mass, grow or develop.
W
White land A general expression used to mean land (and buildings) without any specific proposal for allocation in a development plan, where it is intended that for the most part, existing uses shall remain undisturbed and unaltered.