A comprehensive guide to UK planning terminology. Understanding these terms will help you navigate planning applications, consultations, and decisions.
40 terms found
Housing provided at below market rates for people who cannot afford to buy or rent on the open market. Typically includes social rent, affordable rent, and shared ownership.
A positive element or elements that contribute to the overall character or enjoyment of an area. This can include open land, trees, historic buildings, and the interrelationship between them.
A designated area of countryside considered to have significant landscape value. Development within AONBs is subject to additional scrutiny to conserve and enhance natural beauty.
A process by which an applicant can challenge a council's refusal of planning permission, or failure to determine an application within the statutory time limit. Appeals are decided by the Planning Inspectorate.
A direction made by a local planning authority that withdraws permitted development rights from a specified area. This means planning permission is required for changes that would otherwise be allowed.
Separate from planning permission, these are minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the safety and health of occupants. Administered by Building Control.
A charge that local authorities can set on new development to help fund infrastructure such as schools, roads, and parks. Calculated per square metre of new floorspace.
When the primary purpose of a building or land is altered (e.g., from a shop to a restaurant). Some changes require planning permission depending on the Use Classes involved.
A requirement attached to a planning permission that must be met before or during development. Common conditions relate to materials, landscaping, hours of operation, or drainage.
An area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Additional planning controls apply, particularly for demolition and trees.
The period during which neighbours, the public, and statutory consultees can comment on a planning application. Typically 21 days from the date of notification.
The area of land attached to a dwelling house and forming one enclosure with it. Important for determining permitted development rights.
A planning decision made by a council officer under powers delegated from the planning committee. The majority of applications are determined this way.
A document submitted with certain planning applications explaining the design principles and concepts, and how access issues have been addressed.
The statutory time limit within which a council should decide a planning application. 8 weeks for minor applications, 13 weeks for major applications, and 16 weeks for EIA applications.
The collection of planning policy documents that guide development in an area. Includes the Local Plan and any Neighbourhood Plans. Planning decisions must be made in accordance with the development plan.
An assessment required for developments likely to have significant effects on the environment. Results in an Environmental Statement submitted with the application.
Action taken by a council against unauthorised development or breach of planning conditions. Can include enforcement notices, stop notices, and breach of condition notices.
An assessment of the likelihood of flooding from all sources, required for development in Flood Zones 2 and 3, or for sites over 1 hectare in Flood Zone 1.
Permission for a specific development proposal with all details (design, materials, layout) approved. Valid for 3 years from the date of approval.
A designation for land around certain cities and large built-up areas to prevent urban sprawl. Development is restricted to preserve openness and prevent neighbouring towns from merging.
A planning application for works to an existing dwelling or within its curtilage. Includes extensions, loft conversions, and outbuildings that exceed permitted development limits.
A building of special architectural or historic interest included on the statutory list maintained by Historic England. Listed Building Consent is required for any alterations that affect its character.
The main planning policy document prepared by a local planning authority. Sets out the vision, objectives, and policies for future development in the area over a 15-20 year period.
A factor that is relevant to making a planning decision. Includes overlooking, traffic, noise, design, and policy — but not matters like loss of property value or private disputes.
A plan prepared by a parish council or neighbourhood forum that sets out policies for the development and use of land in a neighbourhood area. Must be in general conformity with the Local Plan.
The government's planning policies for England, setting out how the planning system should contribute to achieving sustainable development. A key material consideration in planning decisions.
Permission that establishes the principle of development on a site, with some or all detailed matters (appearance, landscaping, layout, scale, access) reserved for later approval.
Certain types of work that can be carried out without needing to apply for planning permission. Rights are set out in the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO).
A committee of elected councillors that determines planning applications that are not delegated to officers. Typically handles major, controversial, or applications called in by councillors.
A legal agreement between a developer and the local authority, often requiring the developer to provide affordable housing, open space, or financial contributions towards infrastructure.
Informal advice from a council's planning department before a formal application is submitted. Helps identify potential issues and can speed up the formal process.
A process where certain permitted development rights require the developer to seek approval from the council on specific matters (e.g., transport, contamination) before proceeding.
The detailed aspects of a development that are not included in an outline planning permission. Must be approved before development can begin. Includes access, appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale.
An application to vary or remove conditions attached to a planning permission. Often used to extend time limits or amend approved plans.
An area designated for its wildlife, geological, or physiological features. Development affecting an SSSI requires consultation with Natural England.
An organisation that must be consulted on certain planning applications by law. Includes Historic England, Natural England, the Environment Agency, and Highways Authority.
An order made by a local planning authority to protect specific trees or woodland. Written consent is required before carrying out work on protected trees.
The classification system that groups different uses of land and buildings into categories (e.g., Class E for commercial, Class C3 for dwellings). Changes within the same class do not require planning permission.
The process by which a council checks that a planning application is complete and includes all required documents and fees before it can be registered and consulted upon.
The UK planning system uses specialised terminology that can be confusing for homeowners, residents, and even professionals new to the field. This glossary covers the most common terms you will encounter when dealing with planning applications, from the initial consultation period through to appeals and enforcement.
Whether you are submitting your own application, commenting on a neighbour's proposal, or trying to understand a planning decision, knowing these terms will help you engage more effectively with the process. Key concepts include material considerations (the factors councils must weigh), permitted development (what you can do without permission), and the various designations (Conservation Areas, Green Belt, Listed Buildings) that affect what development is allowed.