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Planning Glossary E-O

Emerging Local Development Framework (LDF) : LDFs that are due to be adopted by the Local Authority can be considered together with the existing LDF (Local Plan).

Environmental Appraisal: A method of assessing the impact a residential development will have on the local environment and a measure of whether the impact to the environment outweighs the benefit of the increased residential units.

G

Greenbelt: Areas outside villages, towns and built up areas where the Countryside Policies apply, which often precludes redevelopment as a way of preserving the rural ideal, and to prevent the sprawl of towns and villages.

Greenfield Site: Virgin land that has not been previously developed or designated for any development use.

H

Habitable Rooms: A measure used by Local Authorities to establish the number of inhabitants who will occupy a new development. This figure can often be used to levy the amount of offsite payments for schools, libraries and highway costs that the new occupant will incur. Habitable rooms include all living rooms and bedrooms.

Housing Associations: (see RSLs). Organisations set up to supply affordable houses to replace what were council owned houses or local authority housing.

I

Infrastructure: The wider costs of developing a site often include increases in traffic, more use of local facilities and greater pressures on the local services. Additional payments are often sought to improve these facilities to accommodate the increased number of users that any new development will bring.

Integrated Transport Strategy: A Government Directive encouraging the use of other transport sources to discourage users from using private cars.

Landscape Buffers: An area of dense landscaping used to protect a view into a new site. They are also used to lessen the impact of new developments on adjoining countryside or views from afar.

Listed Building: A building or structure which has been deemed to be of special architectural importance or historical interest. Properties can be Grade I, Grade II Style or Grade II, depending on their merits. The restrictions imposed on a listed building depend on the grading, with Grade I being the most restrictive and Grade II being less restrictive.

Listed Building Consent: A formal permission in addition to planning permission and building regulations to amend, adapt or demolish a listed building.

Local Plan: Now replaced by the Local Development Framework (LDF).

Local Development Framework (LDF): A document prepared by each Local Authority outlining the type, extent and guidelines for development over the plan period (commonly five to seven years).

Local Planning Authority: A Local Authority Team responsible for the evolution of LDFs/Local Plans and the outcome of planning applications within the Borough.

M

Material Consideration: These are the significant issues that are the basis of an application or objections to an application.

N

Non-Conforming Use: A commercial, industrial or recreational facility that is surrounded by other users where conflicts may occur. These properties may have operated in unison for many years, however changes to the non-domestic properties now creates a conflict. Non-confirming users are openly encouraged to move premises to a more suitable location.

O

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM): The Government Team responsible for overlooking planning within the UK and controlling several Government funded agency and advisory associations.

Outline Planning Application: A simple planning application seeking to establish whether the principle of development or proposals are acceptable. Outline planning applications are simpler to secure, however frequently come with a number of conditions which may all have financial and cost implications that may need to be discharged before a prospective purchaser acquires an outline permitted site.