Back-land development

Development of 'landlocked' sites behind existing buildings, such as rear gardens and private open space, usually within predominantly residential areas. Such sites often have no street frontages. 

Best Available Techniques (BAT) 

In terms of assessing the potential effects of pollution, a system that aims to balance the costs to the operator against the benefits to the environment.

Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land

Land identified by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) as falling within classification grades 1, 2 or 3a, based on the physical characteristics of the land and the limits these impose upon its agricultural uses.

Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO)

There are many different ways of dealing with waste, and the BPEO is basically the waste management option that provides the most benefit or least damage to the environment as a whole, at an acceptable cost, in both the short and long term. For example, recycling versus landfill.

Best Value

The way an authority measures, manages and improves its performance with regard to government targets.

Betterment

Means through the tax system of capturing the development value of land for the benefit of the community.

Biodegradable waste

Waste that is capable of breaking down naturally, such as food, garden waste and paper.

Bio-diversity

The whole variety of life encompassing all genetics, species and ecosystem variations, including plans and animals.

Bio-diversity Action Plan (BAP)

A strategy prepared for a local area aimed at conserving and enhancing biological diversity.

Biological Treatment

Any biodegradable (breaking down) process that changes the properties of waste, such as anaerobic digestion and composting.

Biomass

Living matter within an environmental area, for example plant material, vegetation, or agricultural waste used as a fuel or energy source.

Blight

In general terms, blight is the depressing effect on an area or property caused by potential development proposals, for example a proposed major new road.

Borrow Pit

A temporary mineral working to supply material for a specific construction project.

Breach of Conditions Notice

A notice served by a local planning authority where they suspect that a planning condition linked to a planning permission has been breached.

Brief / Planning Brief

A planning brief can include site-specific development briefs, design briefs, development frameworks and master plans that seek to positively shape future development.

Bring systems (public recycling facilities)

Recycling schemes where the public deliver their recyclables to a central collection point, such as those in supermarket car parks for bottles and cans.

Broadband

Fast, always-on internet connection.

Brownfield Land and Sites

Previously developed land which is or was occupied by a permanent structure, including the curtilage of the developed land and any associated fixed surface infrastructure. Also see 'Previously-Developed Land'.

Buffer Zone

An area of land separating certain types of development from adjoining sensitive land uses. Often used in relation to minerals and/or waste development.

Building

The term building refers to the whole or any part of any structure or erection. It does not include plant or machinery comprised in a building.

Building Preservation Notice

A notice applying to a building all the protection afforded to Listed Buildings on a temporary basis, during which time the Secretary of State will consider whether the building should be granted Listed Building status. The building should be of special historic or architectural interest and be in danger of demolition or alteration harmful to the character of the building.

Bulky Goods

Goods of a large physical nature (for example DIY, furniture, carpets) that sometimes require large areas for storage or display.

Bund

An artificial mound or embankment used to either screen a site from view, or reduce noise emissions.

Business Improvement Districts (BID)

Designated town centre management (and sometimes other areas) where businesses agree to pay additional rates to fund improvements to the general retail environment.

Business Planning Zone (BPZ)

BPZs offer a simplified planning regime whereby specific 'low-impact' development, conforming to a scheme setting out acceptable use classes and general design standards, might not require planning permission.