Unauthorised Development

Development that has or is taking place without the benefit of planning permission. It may then risk being the subject of enforcement action.

Unitary Development Plan

An old-style development plan prepared by a metropolitan district and some unitary local authorities, which contains policies equivalent to those in both a structure plan and local plan. These plans will continue to operate for a time after the commencement of the new development plan system, by virtue of specific transitional provisions.

Unstable Land

Land that may be unstable (due to a range of factors) for which planning proposals should give due consideration.

Urban Capacity Study

Studies undertaken to establish how much additional housing can be accommodated within urban areas.

Urban Design

The art of making places. It involves the design of buildings, groups of buildings, spaces and landscapes, in villages, towns and cities, to create successful development.

Urban Extension

Involves the planned expansion of a city or town and can contribute to creating more sustainable patterns of development when located in the right place, with well-planned infrastructure including access to a range of facilities, and when developed at appropriate densities.

Urban Fringe

The urban fringe is the transitional area between urban areas and the countryside. It can provide a valuable resource for the provision of sport and recreation, particularly in situations where there is an absence of land within urban areas to meet provision.

Urban Housing Capacity Study (UHCS)

A study produced for a local planning authority area examining the potential capacity of urban areas to accommodate extra housing on new or redeveloped sites at various densities, or by the conversion of existing buildings.

Urban Regeneration

Making an urban area develop or grow strong again through means such as job creation and environmental renewal.

Urban Regeneration Company (URC)

A dedicated body through which different people combine to co-ordinate the delivery of urban regeneration projects such as major mixed-use developments.

Urban Sprawl

The uncontrolled or unplanned extension of urban areas into the countryside.

Use

The way in which land or buildings are used.

Use Classes Order

The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 puts uses of land and buildings into various categories. Planning permission is not needed for changes of use within the same use class.