Ecclesiastical Exemption

Ecclesiastical buildings (for example some churches) that are being used for ecclesiastical purposes are exempt from listed building and conservation area controls.

Edge-of-Centre

A location that is within easy walking distance (often considered 200-300 metres) of the primary shopping area.

E-government / E-planning

Government initiatives helping local authorities provide planning services online and accessible via the internet and email, for example, the Planning Portal website.

Elevation

The actual facade (or face) of a building, or a plan showing the drawing of a facade.

Employment Land Availability (ELA)

The total amount of land reserved for industrial and business use awaiting development.

Energy Crops

A 'carbon neutral' energy source contributing to renewable energy. For example, short rotation coppice or willow plantation uses carbon dioxide to grow plants. Crops may then be burned to create energy - hence carbon neutral.

Energy from Waste

The conversion of waste into a useable form of energy, often heat or electricity.

Enforcement Action

Procedures by a local planning authority to ensure that the terms and conditions of a planning decision are carried out, or that development carried out without planning permission is brought under control.

Enforcement Notice

A notice served by a local planning authority setting out the remedial action necessary to put right work or correct an activity that appears to have been undertaken without planning permission.

English Heritage

Government advisors with responsibility for all aspects of protecting and promoting the historic environment. English Heritage is responsible for advising the government on the listing of historic buildings.

Enterprise Area

Enterprise areas are a policy toolkit designed to focus and co-ordinate measures targeted on or likely to help businesses in deprived areas. Businesses in an enterprise area may benefit from one of several new or existing forms of government assistance, including stamp duty exemptions, help from a Community Development Finance Institution, and neighbourhood renewal projects.

Enterprise Zone

An area where central government aided by local government wishes to stimulate development to generate inward investment. It grants automatic planning permission for such development or class of development subject to conditions, limitations, as may be specified in a scheme.

Environment Agency

A government body that aims to prevent or minimise the effects of pollution on the environment and issues permits to monitor and control activities that handle or produce waste. It also provides up-to-date information on waste management matters and deals with other matters such as water issues including flood protection advice.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and Environmental Statement (EA)

Applicants for certain types of development, usually more significant schemes, are required to submit an "environmental statement" accompanying a planning application. This evaluates the likely environmental impacts of the development, together with an assessment of how the severity of the impacts could be reduced.

Established Need

A need for a mineral when assessed against existing permitted reserves of suitable material, taking into account any apportionment and other appropriate policy guidance.

EU Structural Funds

The European Union provides structural funds for supporting social and economic restructuring across the Union. They account for over a third of the European Union budget. The UK's allocation for the period 2000-2006 is over GBP10bn.

Structural funds are delivered through agreed operational spending programmes and strategies. These comprise the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF) and the European Agricultural Guarantee and Guidance Fund (EAGGF).

European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP)

Policy document based on the EU aim of achieving balanced and sustainable development, in particular by strengthening economic and social cohesion. It is legally non-binding and has a policy framework aimed at better co-operation between community sectoral policies with significant impacts, and between member states, their regions and cities. National spatial development policies of the member states and sectoral policies of the EU require clear spatial development guidelines that transcend national boundaries. They are provided by the ESDP.

Evidence Base

The information and data gathered by local authorities to justify the "soundness" of the policy approach set out in Local Development Documents, including physical, economic, and social characteristics of an area.

Examination in Public (EIP)

A term given to the examination of Structure Plans under transitional arrangements.