National Land Use Database (NLUD)

Government initiative to provide information on the amount of previously developed land (and buildings) that may be available for development.

National Nature Reserves

Areas designated with the aim of securing protection and appropriate management of the most important areas of wildlife habitat, and to provide a resource for scientific research. All National Nature Reserves are Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

National Park

The statutory purposes of national parks are to conserve and enhance their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage and to promote opportunities for public understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities. National parks are designated by the Countryside Agency, subject to confirmation by the Secretary of State under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

Natural England

Natural England is the Government's statutory adviser on landscape in England, with responsibility for landscape designations such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coasts.

Natural England is also concerned with England's future landscapes, with involvement in planning policy and a range of environmental land management projects.

Natural Surveillance (or Supervision)

The discouragement to wrongdoing by the presence of passers-by or the ability of people to be seen out of surrounding windows. Also known as passive surveillance (or supervision). See also Planning Out Crime.

Nature Conservation

The protection, management and promotion of wildlife habitat for the benefit of wild species, as well as the communities that use and enjoy them.

Need (in retail terms)

The balance of supply and demand between retailers and consumers. Often expressed as personal expenditure available to support additional shops to extensions to existing shops.

Neighbourhood Centre

A number of shops serving a local neighbourhood and separate from the district centre. Sometimes referred to as a Local Centre.

Neighbourhood Renewal

A national strategy setting out the government's vision for narrowing the gap between deprived neighbourhoods and the rest of the country so that within 10 to 20 years, no-one should be seriously disadvantaged by where they live.

Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF)

Funding scheme to enable England's 88 most deprived authorities, in collaboration with their Local Strategic Partnership (LSP), to improve services. This will narrow the gap between deprived areas and the rest of the country.

New Town

A newly planned settlement. The first new towns were planned urban communities under the 1946 New Towns Act. Their main purpose was to reduce congestion in major cities through the creation of attractive urban units that would provide local employment for their residents.

Noise exposure category (NEC)

In terms of planning guidance, when assessing a proposal for residential development near to a source of noise, planning authorities use noise exposure categories to help consider the effects.

Non-Fossil Fuels

Sources of energy not derived from the combustion of fossil fuels. Examples include renewable energy resources such as wind or hydroelectric (water) power.

Non-statutory nature reserve

Sites established and managed by a variety of public and private bodies e.g. Country Wildlife Trusts or the Royal Society Protection of Birds.