Gasification and Pyrolysis (Advanced Thermal Treatment)

A means of recovering energy from waste, known as advanced thermal treatment. Waste is heated at high temperatures and a useable gas is produced.

General Conformity

A Local Development Document must be in "general" conformity with the strategy and proposals set out in the Regional Spatial Strategy as assessed by the Regional Planning Body (GLA in London). 

Normally, it would only be where an inconsistency or omission of a policy causes significant harm to the implementation of the RSS (SDS in London) that it would be considered not to be in general conformity. 

General Permitted Development Order (GPDO)

A set of regulations made by the government which grants planning permission for specified limited or minor forms of development.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

A computer-based system whereby mapping and information are linked for a variety of uses, such as capturing data justifying Local Development Documents.

Geothermal Technology

Technology related to the transfer of energy from heat inside the Earth, usually carried to the surface by superheated water and steam.

Government Offices for the Regions (GOs)

Regional Offices of the government. Find more information on Government Offices for the Regions here.

Green Belt (not to be confused with the term 'greenfield')

A designation for land around certain cities and large built-up areas, which aims to keep this land permanently open or largely undeveloped. The purposes of the green belt is to:

• check the unrestricted sprawl of large built up areas

• prevent neighbouring towns from merging

• safeguard the countryside from encroachment

• preserve the setting and special character of historic towns

• assist urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land

Green belts are defined in a local planning authority's development plan.

Green corridor / wildlife corridor

Green corridors can link housing areas to the national cycle network, town and city centres, places of employment and community facilities. They help to promote environmentally sustainable forms of transport such as walking and cycling within urban areas and can also act as vital linkages for wildlife dispersal between wetlands and the countryside.

Green Wedges

Green wedges comprise the open areas around and between parts of settlements, which maintain the distinction between the countryside and built up areas, prevent the coalescence (merging) of adjacent places and can also provide recreational opportunities.

Greenfield Land or Site

Land (or a defined site) usually farmland, that has not previously been developed.

Greenhouse Effect / Global Warming

The gradual heating of the Earth due to greenhouse gases, leading to climate change and rising sea levels. Renewable energy, energy efficient buildings and sustainable travel are examples of ways to help avert the greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse Gases

Naturally occurring examples include water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone. Some human activities increase these gases, including fossil fuel combustion within motor vehicles and some power stations.

Groundwater

An important part of the natural water cycle present underground, within strata known as aquifers.

Guided Buses / segregated bus route

Buses for which travel direction is controlled automatically by electronic or kerb guidance along a defined route.