Accessibility

The ability of people to move around an area and reach places and facilities, including elderly and disabled people, those with young children and those encumbered with luggage or shopping.

Adopted Proposals Map

A component of a Local Development Framework and an important part of the development plan, or DPD itself, showing the location of proposals in all current Development Plan Documents, on an Ordnance Survey base map.

Adoption

The final confirmation of a development plan or Local Development Document status by a local planning authority (LPA).

Aerobic Digestion

Biological treatment of biodegradable organic waste in the presence of oxygen, producing a residue suitable for use as a soil improver.

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.

Aftercare (in terms of minerals operations)

The steps to be taken to bring land to the required standard for use for its intended use once mineral working has taken place, and its subsequent maintenance.

Aggregates

Sand, gravel, crushed rock and other bulk materials used by the construction industry.

Agricultural (Forestry or Other Rural Occupational) Dwelling

A dwelling which is subject to a planning condition or legal agreement restricting occupation to someone employed, or was last employed, in agriculture, forestry or other appropriate rural employment.

Agricultural Waste

Waste from a farm or market garden, consisting of matter such as manure, slurry and crop residues.

Air Quality Management Strategy (AQMS)

A designation made by a local authority where an assessment of air quality results in the need to devise an action plan to improve the quality of air.

Alteration

A partial review of a development plan, started under the planning system prior to September 2004.

Amenity

A positive element or elements that contribute to the overall character or enjoyment of an area. For example, open land, trees, historic buildings and the inter-relationship between them, or less tangible factors such as tranquillity.

Amenity Green-space

Open land, often landscaped, that makes a positive contribution to the appearance of an area or improves the quality of the lives of people living or working within the locality. It often provides opportunities for activities such as sports, and can serve other purposes such as reducing the noise from a busy road or providing shelter from prevailing winds.

Anaerobic Digestion

Organic matter broken down by bacteria in the absence of air, producing a gas (methane) and solid (digestate). The by-products can be useful, for example biogas can be used in a furnace, gas engine, turbine or gas-powered vehicles, and digestates can be re-used on farms as a fertiliser.

Ancient Woodland

Woodland that is believed to have existed from at least medieval times.

Ancillary Use / Operations

A subsidiary or secondary use or operation closely associated with the main use of a building or piece of land.

Annual Monitoring Report (AMR)

A report submitted to the government by local planning authorities or regional planning bodies assessing progress with and the effectiveness of a Local Development Framework.

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.

Apportionment (amount of minerals needed)

The splitting of regional supply guidelines for minerals demand between planning authorities or sub regions.

Aquifers

The special underground rock layers that hold groundwater, which are often an important source of water for public water supply, agriculture and industry.

Archaeological Assessment / Evaluation

An assessment of the potential archaeological interest of a site or building. This can be either a desk-based assessment or a field assessment, involving ground survey and small-scale pits or trial trenching carried out by professionally qualified archaeologist(s) looking for historical remains.

Archaeological Reserve

A non-statutory designation for protecting archaeological remains.

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).

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

An area with statutory national landscape designation, the primary purpose of which is to conserve and enhance natural beauty. Together with National Parks, AONB represent the nation's finest landscapes. AONB are designated by the Countryside Agency.

Area of Search

A broad area within which sites are sought for development, for example, for housing, mineral extraction, or renewable energy.

Article 4 Direction

Direction removing some or all permitted development rights, for example within a conservation area or curtilage of a listed building. Article 4 directions are issued by local planning authorities. 

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.