The Planning Bible
Access
How a site connects to highways or public transport. A key consideration in planning applications.
Adjoining Authority
A neighboring local authority consulted on cross-boundary planning issues. Ensures coordinated planning under the Duty to Cooperate.
Adopted Proposals Map
A map showing land allocations and designations in an adopted local plan. Guides planning decisions by defining areas for housing, industry, or protection.
Adoption
The formal process by which a public body, such as a highway authority or a water company, takes on the future responsibility for maintaining infrastructure (e.g., roads, sewers) constructed by a developer.
Advertisement Control
The process to assess if advertisements are acceptable for amenity and safety.
Advocacy
Support for a planning proposal or appeal, often by a planning barrister or solicitor. Used in inquiries to argue a case before an inspector.
Affordable Housing
Housing for sale or rent for those whose needs are not met by the market (including social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing). LPAs can require developers to provide a percentage of affordable housing in new developments.
Affordable Housing Contribution
A financial or in-kind contribution to affordable housing via Section 106. Used when on-site housing provision is not feasible.
Agenda
A schedule of items for discussion at a planning committee meeting. Outlines applications and issues to be decided by councillors.
Agent
A professional, often a planning consultant or architect, who prepares and submits a planning application.
Agent of Change Principle
This principle states that the person or business responsible for a change is responsible for managing the impact of that change. For example, if a new residential development is built near an existing music venue, the developer is responsible for ensuring residents are not unduly affected by noise.
Agricultural Dwelling
A house restricted to occupancy by someone employed mainly in agriculture, forestry, or similar rural work.
Agricultural Land Classification (ALC)
A system grading farmland by quality, from Grade 1 (best) to Grade 5. Influences planning to protect high-quality agricultural land.
Agricultural Permitted Development
Certain works on agricultural land that do not require formal planning permission.
Air Quality Assessment
A study of a development’s impact on local air quality. Required in areas with pollution concerns to ensure health standards.
Allocated Land
Land designated in a local plan for specific uses like housing or retail. Ensures planned development aligns with community needs.
Allocated Site
Land identified in a local plan for specific development, like housing or employment. Guides where growth should occur based on strategic planning.
Amend/Amendment
Changes made to a planning application or development plan. May require further consultation or approval from the local authority.
Amenity
A general term for the positive elements that contribute to the overall character or enjoyment of an area. Planning decisions often consider the potential impact of a development on the amenity of neighbouring residents (e.g., noise, privacy, light).
Ancient Monument
A legally protected historic structure or site. Development nearby must consider its setting and preservation.
Ancient Woodland
Woods with continuous cover since at least 1600 AD.
Ancillary Use
A use of land or a building that is subordinate to, and functionally connected with, the primary use of that land or building. A use is ancillary if it is not a separate planning unit, such as a home office being ancillary to a dwelling.
Annual Monitoring Report (AMR)
A yearly report assessing progress on local plan policies and targets. Includes data on housing delivery and Gypsy and Traveller site provision.
Appeal
A process to challenge a planning decision, such as refusal or conditions, handled by the Planning Inspectorate.
Appearance
The external look of a building or development, considered in planning decisions. Influences design quality and compatibility with surroundings.
Applicant
The person or organization submitting a planning application. May hire an agent to manage the process on their behalf.
Appropriate Assessment
An evaluation under the Habitats Regulations to assess impacts on protected European sites. Required for developments affecting Special Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas.
Arboriculture
The management and care of trees and shrubs in planning contexts. Ensures trees are protected or integrated into development designs.
Archaeological Assessment
A study to evaluate a site’s archaeological significance before development. Required in areas with known or potential historic remains.
Area Action Plan (AAP)
A Development Plan Document focusing on a specific area needing significant change. Guides regeneration or conservation in targeted locations.
Area of High Landscape Value (AHLV)
A local designation protecting landscapes of scenic or ecological importance. Restricts development to preserve their character.
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
An area of countryside in England, Wales or Northern Ireland that has been designated for conservation due to its significant landscape value. Development in AONBs is subject to strict controls.
Article 4 Direction
An order made by an LPA that removes specific permitted development rights in a defined area. It means that a formal planning application is required for work that would otherwise not need one.