Planning Jargon Glossary

Housing for sale or rent at below market rates, provided to eligible households whose needs are not met by the market.

A designated area of countryside considered to have significant landscape value, with statutory protection against inappropriate development.

A direction made by the local planning authority that withdraws specific permitted development rights in a defined area, requiring a planning application for those works.

The reference council tax band used as a standard measure for comparing council tax levels between authorities. Other bands are calculated as ratios of Band D.

Previously developed land that is or was occupied by a permanent structure, including the curtilage of the developed land. Excludes parks, gardens, and agricultural land.

Technical standards that ensure buildings are safe, accessible, and energy efficient. Separate from planning permission and administered under the Building Act 1984.

A power held by the Secretary of State to take over (call in) a planning application from the local authority for determination at a public inquiry.

A certificate confirming that an existing or proposed use or development is lawful for planning purposes, either because it has planning permission or does not require it.

A material change in the way land or buildings are used. The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order groups common uses into classes; changes between classes may require planning permission.

A fixed charge that local authorities can set on new development to help fund infrastructure such as schools, roads, and open spaces.

An area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Extra planning controls apply.

The measure of the resources available to local authorities to fund service delivery, including council tax, business rates, and government grants.

The area of land attached to a house or building and forming one enclosure with it. Development within the curtilage of a listed building may require listed building consent.

A planning decision made by a planning officer under powers delegated by the planning committee, rather than being decided at a committee meeting.

A document submitted with certain planning applications explaining the design principles and concepts, and how access issues have been addressed.

A self-contained unit of residential accommodation (a house, flat, or maisonette) used by a single household.

A process for identifying the likely significant environmental effects of a development before a decision is taken on whether to grant planning permission.

A formal notice issued by the local planning authority requiring a breach of planning control to be remedied within a specified period.

Areas categorised by the Environment Agency according to the probability of flooding: Zone 1 (low), Zone 2 (medium), Zone 3a (high), and Zone 3b (functional floodplain).

Permission granted for a complete and detailed proposal, allowing development to proceed subject to any conditions attached.

Secondary legislation that grants planning permission for certain types of development without the need for a specific planning application.

A designation for land around certain cities and large built-up areas, intended to keep land permanently open and prevent urban sprawl.

Any room used or intended to be used for sleeping, living, cooking, or eating purposes. Used in density and space standard calculations.

A building, monument, site, place, area, or landscape identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions because of its heritage interest.

A planning application for works to an existing house or within its curtilage, such as extensions, loft conversions, or outbuildings.

A building included on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. Works affecting its character require listed building consent.

The plan for the future development of a local area, drawn up by the local planning authority. It sets out policies and proposals for land use and development.

A matter that is relevant to making a planning decision. Can include overlooking, highway safety, noise, design, and government policy, but not private issues like property value.

A plan prepared by a parish council or neighbourhood forum that sets out planning policies for a specific neighbourhood area, once adopted it forms part of the development plan.

The government document setting out planning policies for England, which local authorities must take into account when preparing their local plans and making planning decisions.

A general approval for the principle and broad parameters of a development, with detailed matters (reserved matters) to be approved later.

Rights to carry out certain limited types of building work without the need to apply for planning permission, as set out in the GPDO.

A group of elected councillors who make decisions on planning applications that are not delegated to officers, following consideration of the relevant planning issues.

A requirement attached to a planning permission that must be complied with. Conditions must be necessary, relevant, enforceable, precise, and reasonable.

A legal agreement between a developer and the local authority, attached to a planning permission, requiring the developer to provide or contribute towards infrastructure or affordable housing.

Guidance provided by the local planning authority before a formal planning application is submitted, to help applicants understand the likely issues and requirements.

A light-touch process where specific permitted development types require the developer to seek approval from the council on limited matters before proceeding.

Energy from natural resources such as wind, solar, biomass, and hydropower. Planning policies support appropriate renewable energy development.

The detailed aspects of a development (access, appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale) that are not included in an outline planning permission and require subsequent approval.

See Planning Obligation. A legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 securing developer contributions.

An area of land designated by Natural England for its special interest in terms of flora, fauna, geology, or geomorphology. Development affecting SSSIs requires careful assessment.

A nationally important archaeological site or historic building given legal protection under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

A document providing further detail on policies in the local plan, such as design guides or affordable housing guidance. It is a material consideration in planning decisions.

An application under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to develop without complying with conditions previously imposed, effectively seeking to vary or remove conditions.

An order made by a local planning authority to protect specific trees, groups of trees, or woodlands. Written consent is required to cut down, top, lop, or uproot a protected tree.

See TPO. An order that protects trees considered important to the amenity of an area.

A type of local authority responsible for all local government services in its area, combining the functions of both county and district councils.

A category of land use defined by the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order. Common classes include Class E (commercial), Class C3 (dwelling), and Class F1 (learning).

An assessment of whether a development is financially deliverable, often used to justify reduced affordable housing or infrastructure contributions.

Sites not specifically identified in a local plan but which come forward for development during the plan period, such as garden land or small infill sites.