GLOSSARY
Introduction
The glossary explains terms which appear in the Local Plan and
may not be readily understood. They are in alphabetical order.
Advertisements
As defined by the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 "any word,
letter, model, sign, placard, board, notice, device or
representation, whether illuminated or not in the nature of, and
employed wholly or partly for the purposes of, advertisement,
announcement or direction, and (without prejudice to the previous
provisions of this definition), includes any hoarding or similar
structure used, or adapted for use, for the display of
advertisements "
Advertisements - Areas of special control
Areas where stricter advertisement controls apply because of the
need to preserve or enhance the appearance of these areas. Such
areas include National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
and Conservation Areas.
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is that provided, as low-cost market housing
and subsidised housing that meets affordability criteria laid down
by the Local Planning Authority to secure accommodation for people
assessed as unable to resolve their housing need through reasonable
access to the private sector market because of the relationship
between housing costs and incomes in the locality.
Agricultural Land Classification
The Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food's system of
grading land according to the degree to which its physical
characteristics impose long-term limitations on agricultural use.
The Grades referred to can be summarised as follows: -
Grade 1 - Land with very minor or no physical limitations to
agricultural use. Yields are consistently high on these soils and
cropping highly flexible, since most crops can be grown, including
the more exacting horticultural crops.
Grade 2 - Land with some minor limitations which exclude it from
Grade 1. A wide range of agricultural and horticultural crops can
usually be grown, though there may be restrictions in the range of
horticultural crops and arable root crops on some types of this
grade.
Grade 3 - Land with moderate limitations which affect the choice
of crops, timing and type of cultivation, harvesting or the level
of yield. Where more demanding crops are grown yields are generally
lower or more variable than on land in Grades 1 and 2.
Subgrade 3a - good quality agricultural land
Land capable of consistently producing moderate to high yields
of a narrow range of arable crops, especially cereals, or moderate
yields of a wide range of crops including cereals, grass, oilseed
rape, potatoes, sugar beet and the less demanding horticultural
crops.
Subgrade 3b - moderate quality agricultural land
Land capable of producing moderate yields of a narrow range of
crops, principally cereals and grass or lower yields of a wider
range of crops or high yields of grass which can be grazed or
harvested over most of the year.
Grade 4 - Land with severe limitations which significantly
restrict the range of crops and/or level of yields. It is mainly
suited to grass with occasional arable crops (e.g. cereals and
forage crops) the yields of which are variable. In moist climates,
yields of grass may be moderate to high but there may be
difficulties in utilisation. The grade also includes very droughty
arable land.
Grade 5 - Land with very severe limitations which restrict use
to permanent pasture or rough grazing, except for occasional
pioneer forage crops.
Agricultural Occupancy Conditions
Conditions attached to the planning permission for an
agricultural workers dwelling concerning the occupation of the
dwelling to ensure that the dwelling is kept available to meet the
need identified i.e. the need for a dwelling to accommodate an
agricultural worker in the immediate vicinity of their place of
work.
Agricultural Workers Dwelling
A dwelling for use by an agricultural worker to enable him/her
to live in the immediate vicinity of their place of work.
Agriculture
As defined by Section 336 of the Town and Country Planning Act
1990 which indicates that Agriculture includes "... horticulture,
fruit growing, seed growing, dairy farming, the breeding and
keeping of livestock (including any creature kept for the
production of food, wool, skins or fur, or for the purpose of its
use in the farming of land), the use of land as grazing land,
meadow land, osier land, market gardens and nursery grounds, and
the use of land for woodlands where that use is ancillary to the
farming of land for other agricultural purposes...".
Allocated Land/Site
Land which is defined in the Local Plan as being acceptable in
principle for development for a particular purpose and which is not
already in use for that purpose. The development of all such sites
will be dependent upon planning permission being obtained.
Ancient Grassland
Areas which have not had any form of agricultural improvement
through, for example, drainage, fertiliser use or re-seeding.
Ancient Woodland
Areas of land which have remained continuously wooded since at
least 1600AD.
Area of Archaeological Potential
This defines an area which may potentially be of archaeological
value i.e. the area may be known to be the site of an ancient
settlement. Such designation allows the
Borough Council to ensure that the archaeological importance of
the area is fully considered before any planning applications are
determined.
Area of Special County Value for Landscape
Areas which are particularly important in the County because of
their quality of landscape, ecology, archaeology or history.
Business Park
Sites with a high standard of development and landscaping, low
density of development, and accommodating a mixture of business
uses (including light industry, office, research and development)
and storage and distribution uses.
Business Uses
Use for offices (other than financial and professional
services), for research and development of products or processes,
or for any industrial process provided the use can be carried out
in any residential area without detriment to the amenity of the
area by reason of noise, vibration, smell, fumes, smoke, soot, ash,
dust or grit, as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use
Classes) Order 1987 and amended in 1995.
Communal Open Space
Open space within a housing development for shared use by the
residents but not by the general public.
Committed Sites
Land which is already considered as being acceptable for a
particular purpose by virtue of having an approved or past planning
permission, an existing allocation or which is presently under
construction.
Commuted Payments
Payments made by a prospective developer to the local planning
authority for the provision of for example public car parking in
lieu of providing car parking on the development site, or the
provision of funds to enable the Council to adopt and maintain
areas of open space or landscaping.
Conservation
The management of resources or assets to ensure that they are
protected, and enhanced wherever possible.
Conservation Area
An area of special architectural or historic interest, the
character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or
enhance as defined in Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings
and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
County Sites and Monuments Record
A list maintained by the County Council, of the known
archaeological sites, monuments and find-spots of County, District
and Local Importance.
Curtilage
The boundary of the land and buildings, normally within which a
single land use is occurring and for which planning permission may
be required to change the use of that land and/or building.
Derelict Land
Land so damaged by industrial or other development that it is
incapable of beneficial use without treatment.
Derelict Land Grant
Grant from Central Government for the reclamation of Derelict
Land.
Development
The carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other
operations in, on, over or under land, or the making of any
material change in the use of any buildings or other land, as
defined in Section 55 of the Town and Country Planning Act
1990.
Development/Planning Brief
A document approved by the Council, relating to a specific site
to assist the manner in which future development of the land is
carried out. It aims to clarify and expand upon the physical and
policy constraints affecting the development of the site, and
offers information and guidance to prospective developers. The
document also acts as the basis for the consideration of any
planning applications which may subsequently be submitted in
respect of the site.
Development Plan
The provisions of the Structure Plan, any provision of a Local
Plan and the old style development plan approved under the Town and
Country Planning Act up to and including the Act of 1962, where
this has not been revoked as defined in Section 54 and Schedule 2
of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
Diversification
The development, and creation, of different forms of economic
activity in rural areas to compensate for declining agricultural
incomes and employment expected from structural changes in Central
Government and European Union support for the agricultural
industry.
Employment Land Supply
The amount of land available for development for employment use,
either under construction or on land with planning permission or
allocated in the Local Plan which is subject to an approved
planning permission, allocated within the Local Plan or under
construction.
Environmental Improvement
Landscaping and other measures taken to improve the appearance
and character of an area.
Financial and Professional Services (Class A2)
Use for the provision of financial services, professional
services (other than health or medical services) or any other
service which it is appropriate to provide in a shopping area where
the services are provided principally to visiting members of the
public, as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes)
Order 1987.
Food and Drink Services (Class A3)
Use for the sale of food and drink for consumption on the
premises or for the sale of hot food for consumption off the
premises, as defined in the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes)
Order 1987.
General Development Order
Sets out those categories of development which may be carried
out without the need to apply for planning permission i.e.
"permitted development". The Local Authority can seek to make a
legal direction requiring planning permission to be obtained for
development that would normally be permitted by the Order. Such a
direction is known as an 'Article Four Direction'.
General Industrial Uses (Class B2)
Use for the carrying on of an industrial process other than one
falling within Class B1 (see "Business Uses") or Classes B3-B7 (see
'Special Industrial Groups') as defined in the Town and Country
Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 and amended in 1995.
Green Belt
An area of principally open countryside surrounding existing
built-up areas, the purpose of which is to check the unrestricted
sprawl of the built-up area and to safeguard the surrounding
countryside against further encroachment. The general principle of
Green Belt policy is, therefore, a presumption against further
development, as embodied in the approved County Structure Plan.
Greenfield Sites
Land that has not been previously-developed.
Habitat
The natural home of an animal or plant.
Hazardous Installation
An industry or related installation which because of the nature
of its process, or the raw materials used, presents a potential
threat to the safety of employees or the general public. It will be
certified by the Health and Safety Executive.
Historic Parks and Gardens
Designed landscapes, parks and gardens which have historical
value and which are given recognition by English Heritage.
Housing Association
A non-profit making body, run by a voluntary committee,
providing accommodation and associated amenities. Most Housing
Associations provide subsidised housing to rent.
Housing Land Supply
The number of additional dwellings becoming available, either
under construction or on land with planning permission or allocated
within a Local Plan.
Housing Strategy
A statement prepared annually by the Council, which examines the
local housing situation, identifies issues and sets out the
Council's choice of policies for a five year period. The statement
is submitted to the Government Office for the North West as the
basis on which the Council wishes to allocate resources for
housing.
Implementation
Actions to carry out policies.
Infill Development
One or two dwellings in a small gap in an otherwise built-up
frontage.
Informal Recreation
Recreation not requiring the provision of formal facilities.
Infrastructure
Roads, drainage and the supply of water, electricity, and gas
required to facilitate new development.
Joint Use
Purpose-built leisure centres provided as part of schools or
colleges, designed for use by both pupils and members of the
public, usually at different periods of the day, week or year.
Listed building
A building of special architectural or historic interest
included in a list compiled or approved by the Secretary of State
as defined in Section 1 of the Planning (Listed Building and
Conservation Areas) Act 1990.
Local Shop
A shop or store providing purely for the day to day shopping
needs of a surrounding residential neighbourhood.
Local Transport Plan
The Local Transport Plan has been produced by Cheshire County
Council for the period 2001/2 to 2005/6. The Local Transport Plan
has been introduced by central government to replace the Transport
Policies and Programme.
Management Agreement
Section 39 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 permits
Local Planning Authorities to enter into management agreements to
conserve or enhance the natural beauty or amenity of land.
Nature Conservation
The planning and management of wildlife and habitats so as to
secure their wide use and continuity of supply while maintaining
and enhancing their quality, value and diversity.
Nature Reserve
An area of land and/or water managed primarily to safeguard the
fauna, flora and physical features which it contains. National
Nature Reserves can be established and managed by English Nature
under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, whilst
Local Nature Reserves can be established by Local Authorities under
section 21 of the same Act. Non-statutory nature reserves can be
owned and managed by a variety of agencies, such as the Cheshire
Wildlife Trust.
Non-Operational Parking
The space required for vehicles which do not necessarily have to
be parked on the site of particular premises, such as cars
belonging to employees, shoppers, some business callers, sightseers
etc.
Offices
Offices are defined in Classes A2 and B1 of the Town and Country
Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 depending upon the services they
provide (see 'Financial and Professional Services' and "Business
Uses"). Normally reference to offices relates to those in Class B1
unless otherwise specified.
Open Countryside
The rural area outside the settlement boundaries of towns and
villages.
Open Space
Outdoor areas used for informal/formal recreation. Such areas
may be in public or private ownership.
Operational Parking
The space required for cars and other vehicles regularly and
necessarily involved in the operation of the business of particular
buildings. It includes space for delivering or collecting goods at
premises and space for picking up or setting down passengers. It
does not include space for storing or servicing vehicles except
where this is necessary as part of the business being carried on in
the building.
Pedestrianisation
Vehicle exclusion from part of the highway network (usually in
town centres) and the change of its use to that solely by
pedestrians. Partially pedestrianised areas may accommodate some
vehicles.
Planning Policy Guidance Notes (PPG's)
Statements of the Government's Planning Policies.
Previously-developed land
Land which is or was occupied by a permanent structure
(excluding agricultural or forestry buildings) and associated fixed
surface infrastructure. It covers the curtilage of the development.
Previously-developed land may occur in both built-up and rural
settings. It includes defence buildings and land used for mineral
extraction and waste disposal where provision for restoration has
not been made through development control procedures.
It excludes land and buildings that are currently in use for
agricultural or forestry purposes and land in built-up areas which
has not been developed previously (e.g. parks, recreation grounds
and allotments even though these areas may contain certain urban
features such as paths, pavilions and other buildings.) Also
excluded is land that was previously developed but where the
remains of any structure or activity have blended into the
landscape in the process of time (to the extent that it can
reasonably be considered as part of the natural surroundings) and
where there is a clear reason that could outweigh the re-use of the
site such as its contribution to nature conservation- or it has
subsequently been put to an amenity use and cannot be regarded as
requiring development.
Private Open Space
Open space around a dwelling for the exclusive use of the
occupants or privately owned sports grounds.
Public Open Space
Open space for use by the general public.
Ramsar Sites
Wetlands of international importance, especially valued as
breeding waterfowl habitats.
Reclamation
The treatment of derelict land to bring it into a condition
suitable for development. This work can include the removal of
unwanted buildings and works and usually involves landscape
improvements.
Redevelopment
Development which takes place after the demolition of existing
buildings.
Redundant Buildings
Vacant buildings which are no longer required for the purpose
for which they were built.
Resources
The land, labour and capital required to implement policies both
in the public and private sector.
Scheduled Ancient Monument
An archaeological site of national importance included in a
schedule compiled by the Secretary of State for National Heritage
as defined in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act
1979, (amended by the National Heritage Act 1983). Such areas are
afforded statutory protection.
Shopping and Town Centre Uses
A1 - Shops other than those which sell food or drink for
consumption on the premises, or hot food for consumption off the
premises, as defined in the Use Classes Order 1987.
A2 - Financial and Professional Services where these services
are appropriate within a shopping area, and where the services are
provided principally to visiting members of the public, as defined
in the Use Classes Order 1987.
A3 - Places where food and drink is sold for consumption on the
premises, or where hot food is sold for consumption off the
premises, as defined in the Use Classes Order 1987.
Sites of Biological Importance
Sites of Biological Importance are recognised by Cheshire County
Council, Cheshire Wildlife Trust and English Nature as being of
importance for nature conservation in a county, district or local
context for the habitats, plant or animal species they support. The
SBI system complements the series of nationally important SSSIs,
but does not receive statutory protection other than through
Structure and Local Plan policies. Over 500 SBIs have been
identified in Cheshire (including the Peak Park) to date.
Site of Special Scientific Interest
An area of land identified and designated by English Nature by
virtue of its nature conservation value, under section 28 of the
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (amended 1985). Designation as an
SSSI is the statutory means of safeguarding a site's biological
and/or geological interest.
Statutory Undertakers/Public Service Authorities
Persons or bodies authorised by any enactment to carry out
certain undertaking, principally concerned with the transport and
supply of water, gas or electricity.
Streetscene
The visual appearance and character of an area created by the
form of buildings and open spaces. It relates not just to the
massing and scale of building but also to floorspace and street
furniture details.
Structure Plan
A statement of policies and general proposals for the
development and other use of land in the county as a whole,
providing a framework for local plans.
Sui Generis Uses
Land uses which do not fall within the specific categories of
the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987
Sustainable Development
Normally defined as "development that meets the needs of the
present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs". The Local Plan also draws on Regional
Planning Advice prepared by the North West Regional Association
"Greener Growth" (March 1994). This refers to the need "to ensure
that economic development does not lead to a long term
deterioration of the environment and that it enhances the
environment".
Tourism
The temporary short term movement of people to destinations
outside the places where they normally live and work, and the
activities during their stay at these destinations.
Traffic Calming
Measures which slow down traffic to make areas safer for
cyclists and pedestrians.
Traffic Management
The promotion of a more efficient use of the highway network by
re-arranging the flows, controlling the intersections, and
regulating the times and places for parking by means of traffic
orders. Traffic management can also give priority to different
forms of transport, such as buses, or to pedestrians.
Tree Preservation Order
An order made by the local planning authority to prohibit the
felling, lopping or wilful destruction of a single tree, a group of
trees or a substantial woodland specified in the Order, without the
prior consent of the local planning authority.
Trunk Road
Major roads for which the Secretary of State for the
Environment, Transport and the Regions is the Highway Authority.
Their construction and maintenance are funded by Central
Government.
Use Classes Order
The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 specifies
use classes for different categories of buildings and land use.
Generally where a change of use falls within the same use class
then development is not involved. A change of use from one class to
another involves development and will normally require planning
permission.
Windfall Site
Any previously developed site that has unexpectedly become
available. It includes sites of any size.