Objectives and Indicators

Objectives are what are trying to be achieved, and indicators are measures that show whether or not objectives are being achieved. They can be used to help show whether planning policy is effective, or be used in helping to conduct a Sustainability Appraisal.

Offshore Renewable Energy Projects

Projects that involve electricity generation methods such as offshore wind or wave generators. Central government may deal with these rather than local planning authorities.

Open Space

All space of public value, including public landscaped areas, playing fields, parks and play areas, and also including not just land, but also areas of water such as rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs, which can offer opportunities for sport and recreation or can also act as a visual amenity and a haven for wildlife.

Opencast Working

A form of surface mining to win minerals, where the overburden (see definition below) is literally 'cast' from the working face to the rear as the mineral is exposed.

Outline application

A general application for planning permission to establish that a development is acceptable in principle, subject to subsequent approval of detailed matters. Does not apply to changes of use.

Out-of-Centre

In retailing terms, a location that is clearly separate from the primary shopping area of a town centre but not necessarily outside the urban area.

Out-of-Town

In retailing terms, an out-of-centre location on land not clearly within the current urban boundary.

Outstanding Planning Permission

A current planning permission that has yet to be implemented.

Overbearing

A term used to describe the impact of a development or building on its surroundings, particularly a neighbouring property, in terms of its scale, massing and general dominating effect.

Overburden

Soil and other material that overlays a mineral deposit, and which has to be excavated and either tipped or stockpiled to gain access to the underlying mineral.

Over-development

An amount of development (for example, the quantity of buildings or intensity of use) that is excessive in terms of demands on infrastructure and services, or impact on local amenity and character.

Overlooking

A term used to describe the effect when a development or building affords an outlook over adjoining land or property, often causing loss of privacy.

Overshadowing

The effect of a development or building on the amount of natural light presently enjoyed by a neighbouring property, resulting in a shadow being cast over that neighbouring property.