Glossary
A handy A–Z of local planning terms
If it seems like local developers speak their own language, don't worry! This handy A-Z contains a list of words and phrases from local planning, paired with plain English explanations. So you can cut through the jargon and make sense of masterplans and proposals.
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Something useful or enjoyable that adds value to a place and benefits the community. Some examples might be: a local gym, a nature reserve, free parking... All the things that add to your enjoyment of an area.
Or: brownfield land
Land that once had something on it (like a factory or industrial building), but is now derelict or disused. Brownfield land may be polluted or contaminated by past use, and need cleaning up before it can be reused for something else.
A business improvement district (or BID) is an area where local businesses work together to make their surroundings better. BIDs look at all sorts of things, from local infrastructure (like roads, parking and access,) to creative events that bring more people (and money!) to the area.
The official definition of a conservation area is a place that has ‘special architectural or historic interest, the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.' The Local Planning Authority decides whether somewhere becomes a conservation area after lots of research and consultation with people living in the area. It means the rules are more strict and any new buildings or developments have to ‘preserve or enhance’ the character of the place.
Consultation is a fancy way of saying ‘speaking to people’. It’s the part of a development process where a team might share plans, invite conversation or ask for feedback and opinions from the people who use a place. Consultation might be with local residents, business owners, visitors to a place – or a combination of all three.
When someone puts in a planning application, they also have to submit a design statement. This is a short report or document that explains the process and thinking behind their proposed designs. It must show ‘good design’, and consider things like existing buildings, streets and how people use the surrounding spaces.
A development brief is a document that outlines how an area could, and should, be improved. It’s used to get developers interested in a particular area, and invite local people to have a say in things right from the start. As well as including hopes for any development, it’s also a practical guide to make sure that any proposals meet all the important economic, social and environmental policies.
These are official planning policy documents, such as an area action plan. They help the Local Planning Authority assess any options or issues with a proposed development, and make decisions on what goes ahead.
Net zero is about reducing harmful emissions. And making sure we don’t put more carbon into the atmosphere than can be absorbed by things like trees, soil or oceans. In the UK, the government has committed to reaching net zero by 2050. So, new developments need to think about how they can cut their emissions – when being developed, and in the long term.
