Word / phrase

Definition

Part time employment

Persons employed for less than 32 hours per week and paying a reduced National Insurance contribution.

Pedestrian priority

Area where some vehicles (e.g. buses and service vehicles) are allowed but other vehicles are excluded. A wide range of pedestrian priority schemes exist and in each case pedestrians have priority over vehicles.

Pedestrianisation

Area closed to all vehicles to allow fuller use by those on foot. Occasionally servicing, etc. is allowed outside shopping hours.

Peripheral regions

Regions which are considered remote and economically disadvantaged, when compared to the central and more prosperous regions in Europe.

Permitted development

Some, usually small scale, development that does not need to obtain planning permission, by virtue of being exempted in the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (as amended).

Plan, monitor, manage

Current method of assessing housing need that sees population as only one factor in estimating numbers and seeks to review needs during the plan period. This replaces previous approach referred to as ‘predict and provide’.

Planning Brief

Guide giving advice on design, phasing, constraints, type of development, etc. on specific development sites (also called Development Brief).

Planning Obligations

Means by which developers contribute to the environmental or social cost of development, such as education needs, infrastructure costs etc. This often entails contributions toward the costs generated but can also entail legal agreements about occupancy and other matters. Circular 1/97 regulates the correct use of Planning Obligations.

Planning Policy Guidance Note (PPG)

Central Government publication outlining good practice on a particular planning topic (compare with Circular).

Plymouth-Devon-Arc

An area in Devon of around 650,000 people bordering Cornwall, grouped together for the purpose of obtaining Objective 2 status (see above).

Policy

Course of action to be pursued.

Precautionary principle

Principle of erring on the side of caution where environmental or other considerations are at risk.

Predict and provide

Method of determining the need for development e.g. for new housing on the basis of population projections. This method has now been replaced by ‘Plan, Monitor, Manage’ (see above). Predict and Provide also relates to the (no longer used) system of planning new roads to accommodate projected future traffic growth.

Prestige site

Attractive, well landscaped site of a sufficient size to be suitable for a business park (see above).

Previously developed land

Land previously occupied by a permanent structure, including land used for mineral extraction and waste disposal, where not restored. This definition excludes parkland and land where previous development has blended in the landscape by the process of time (see also Brownfield site and Derelict land).

Primary sector employment

Employment in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and mineral industries.

Primary Shopping Frontage

Core shopping areas of town centres, predominantly Use Class A1 retail shops.

Principal Holiday Accommodation Area (PHAA)

‘Shop window’ areas of the holiday industry which are a focus of tourist activity. They usually comprise concentrations of tourist accommodation and have a distinct holiday atmosphere.

Prior recording

The arrangement by which buildings of architectural or historic value, and archaeological sites of known or potential value, are made the subject of detailed survey before development is allowed to proceed.

Proposal

A site specific designation for a specific development.

Proposals Map

Map on an Ordnance Survey base indicating policies and proposals of the Local Plan. Town centres are often shown at a larger scale (see Local Plan).

Proximity principle

The principle that development should be located so as to reduce the need to travel, use less energy and generate less pollution, e.g. waste should be disposed of close to where it is generated.

Public Local Inquiry

Inquiry led by Government Inspector, following publication and consultation on the Deposit and Revised Deposit Versions of a Local Plan.

Ramsar Sites

Internationally important wetland areas, particularly wildlife habitats listed under the Convention on Wetlands.

RAWP

Regional Aggregates Working Party.

Recycling

Processing waste to produce a useable raw material or product; sometimes also loosely applied to the reuse of materials.

Reduction

1) Reducing the volume of waste by compaction.
2) The use of technology that generates less waste.
3) Production of longer lasting products with lower pollution potential.
4) Removing material from the waste stream e.g. through composting green waste.

Regional Assembly (RA)

The RA is a partnership between all local authorities in the South West. It exists to promote the economic, social and environmental well-being of all who live and work in the Region. It scrutinises and monitors the work of the SWRDA and under the reformed planning system will be the Regional Planning body for the South West, responsible for the Regional Spatial Strategy.

Regional Development Agency (RDA)

Quasi-Government organisation with remit to promote economic prosperity at a regional level. The South West of England has its own RDA and has published a Regional Strategy.

Regional Planning Guidance (RPG)

Guidance which sets out broad patterns of development at a regional level. RPG10 (2001) deals with the South West.

Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS)

RSSs will replace Regional Planning Guidance (RPGs) and Structure Plans as a result of introduction of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. RSSs will form part of the statutory development plan system.

Regional strategy

Broad framework for development for the South West region set out in RPG10 Regional Planning Guidance for the South West (September 2001).

Registered Homes

Accommodation for people in need of a significant amount of care (e.g. residential care homes, nursing homes).

Residential density

The ratio of numbers of dwellings to site area (occasionally people to site area). Net densities include land use for roads, garages and gardens but not shops or schools.

Resort

Coastal and other towns and villages which are important for tourism and act as a focus for holiday makers.

Retail development

Buildings developed as shopping facilities for direct sales to the public.

Retail Park

A grouping of three or more retail warehouse type stores built as a single entity, having shared parking and access facilities, usually in a landscaped setting.

Revised Deposit

Version of the Local Plan following consideration of representations made on the previous (First) Deposit Version. (See also Adopted Local Plan, Consultation Draft and Deposit Version).

Rights of Way

Legally protected footpaths, bridle ways and byways by which members of the pubic have a right to cross land.

RTAB

Regional Technical Advisory Body on waste.

Scheduled Monument

A monument of national importance, which is scheduled for legal protection under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. Any works to scheduled monuments require Scheduled Monument Consent from the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) which must consult English Heritage (EH). The use of metal detectors is also prohibited without consent. Unauthorised works to a scheduled monument are a criminal offence.

Secondary Shopping Frontages

Areas adjoining but outside the main shopping core where a mixture of retail and non-retail uses take place.

Section 106 Agreement

Legal Agreement between the Council and a developer relating to planning obligations (see above).

Section 41 Statement

Account of publicity, public participation and consultation undertaken in preparation of the Plan. The Statement accompanies the Deposit Version of the Local Plan as a supporting document.

Self sufficiency waste

The provision of sufficient waste management facilities to treat, recover or dispose of all the waste produced in an area.

Sequential approach/test

The sequential approach seeks to ensure that development occurs in existing urban areas where possible, in order to minimise loss of greenfield land. The sequential approach applies in particular to retail and leisure developments and entails giving preference to town centre sites, followed by edge of centre, district and local centre sites. Only when these possibilities have been exhausted should retail development be allocated on out of town sites. A similar approach exists for housing.

Service sector

That part of the economy related to the provision of services/office uses, etc.

Sheltered housing

Housing designed to meet the needs of people such as the active elderly who require a degree of extra security such as a warden (see also Special needs housing).

Single Regeneration Budget (SRB)

The main regeneration budget, granted by central government and administered by the Regional Development Agency, until 2006.

Sites and Monuments Record (SMR)

Record of known sites of archaeological importance held by the Council.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Nationally important areas of land, designated under Section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 by English Nature as being of a special interest by reasons of their flora, fauna, geological or physiographical features.

Small Business Areas

Concentrations of small businesses, often in converted residential properties, located in urban areas (see also Business Investment Areas).

Social exclusion

A lack of opportunity to participate in society, often linked to poverty and lack of access to resources. Social inclusion is the elimination of this.

Social housing

Subsidised housing managed by a Social Landlord, including joint ownership schemes. It is a form of Affordable Housing.

Special Areas of Conservation (SAC)

Internationally important areas to be designated under the EC Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna. Berry Head, Brixham is a Candidate SAC.

Special needs housing

Housing for people with special needs. This can include a degree of support (see Sheltered housing) but can also include specially designed features to meet the needs of people with disabilities, etc.

Sterilisation

Related to rendering mineral deposits unworkable by permitting other development on land containing such minerals.

Strategic Environmental Assessment

Derived from the SEA Directive 2001/42/EC which took effect in July 2004. SEA involves the systematic identification and evaluation of the impacts of a strategic action (e.g. a plan or programme) on the environment. The proposed Local Development Framework will require a SEA.

Structure Plan

County-wide Plan setting out policies and proposals for strategic development. Torbay Council prepares the Structure Plan for Devon in conjunction with Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and the Dartmoor National Park Authority.

“Sui generis”

See Use Classes

Sustainability

In its widest sense, to ensure that the decisions reached now do not prejudice the ability of future generations to enjoy an acceptable quality of life.

Sustainable development

Defined by PPG1 (following the 1987 Brundtland Commission) as “development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. It relates to social progress that recognises the needs of everyone, the protection of the environment, prudent use of natural resources, and the maintenance of high and stable levels of growth and employment.

Sustainable/Eco-Tourism

The development, operation and promotion of tourism which benefits the local economy at the same time as protecting and enhancing the environment.

Swale

See Berms and swales.

Telecommunication services

Communication services provided by cable, microwave and satellites producing radio, television and telephone systems.

Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust

Charitable Trust set up by Torbay Council with other trustees such as the National Trust, with responsibility for the management and conservation of Country Parks, woodland and coastal areas in Torbay.

Torbay Council Equalities Group

Group acting in partnership with Torbay Council and other organisations seeking to improve access, in particular for people with disabilities.

Town cramming

Increasing densities in residential areas to such an extent that people’s amenity suffers.

Traffic generator

Any development likely to result in an increase in traffic movement.

Traffic management

Measures to control and alleviate traffic problems.

Traffic Management Zone

Measure to reduce the impact of traffic in residential areas. It includes traffic management, traffic calming and speed restraint.

Transport hierarchy

Range of transportation modes seeking to ensure that as much emphasis as possible is given to sustainable transport such as walking.

Transport Policies and Programme (TPP)

Document containing transportation strategy, objectives and detailed schemes. TPPs have now been replaced by Local Transport Plans (see above).

Travel Plan

Plan that should be drawn up by developers and operators of premises to seek to encourage staff and customers to use alternative means of transport to the private car. Sometimes called Green Transport Plans, Company Travel Plans, Business Travel Plans or School Travel Plans, they are an important part of ensuring that development proposals are sustainable.

TTWA

Travel to Work Area.

Unitary Authority

Council with responsibility for former County Council functions such as education, social services, minerals and waste planning as well as District Council functions. Torbay Council became a Unitary Authority in April 1998.

Urban Housing Potential Study

Survey of available land within developed areas suitable for housing (see also Windfall sites). The Study accompanied the July 1999 Deposit Version of the Local Plan as a supporting document.

Urban Landscape Protection Area (ULPA)

Largely undeveloped land within or close to urban areas which is protected because of its local landscape, amenity or ecological value.

Urban Traffic Control

Computerised traffic light systems in urban areas.

Use Classes

Classification of uses of land, including buildings, and changes of use to which land may be put. Currently defined by the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987(as amended). The main use classes are;
A1 Shops.
A2 Financial and professional services.
A3 Food and drink consumed on the premises and hot takeaway food.

B1 Offices and light industrial uses, which do not generate significant noise, fumes etc.
B2 General industrial uses including noisy activities.
B8 Storage and distribution.
C1 Hotels, excludes hostels and premises where a significant level of care is provided.
C2 Residential institutions providing a significant level of care.
C3 Dwelling houses.
D1 Non-residential institutions.
D2 Assembly and leisure.

Sui Generis

A use that does not fall within the use classes laid down in the Use Classes Order and is therefore in a class of its own.

Utility services

Water supply, sewerage and sewage disposal, land drainage, gas and electricity supply, waste disposal and telecommunications.

Village Design Statement

An approach developed by the Countryside Agency to promote good design through recognition and promotion of local distinctiveness. Statements are prepared by the local community and are intended to provide guidance on the appearance of new development.

Warehouse

The bulk storage of goods prior to distribution for sale.

Waste

Defined by Circular 11/94 and the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 as “any substance or object which the holder discards, intends to discard or is required to discard”.

Waste Collection Authority

Authority responsible for the collection of household waste and the preparation of Waste Recycling Plans (Torbay Council).

Waste Disposal Authority

Authority responsible for the disposal of collected waste and waste delivered to Civic Amenity Sites (Torbay Council).

Waste hierarchy

A ladder of waste management methods in order of their sustainability. The hierarchy comprises waste reduction/ minimisation at the top followed by reuse, recovery (recycling, composting etc) and finally disposal (e.g. by landfill).

Waste Planning Authority (WPA)

Local Authority with responsibility for land-use planning control over waste management (Torbay Council).

Waste Recycling Plan for Torbay

A plan required by Section 49 of the Environmental Protection Act (1990).

Waste Regulation Authority

Authority responsible for issuing waste management licenses for disposal facilities, site monitoring and preparation of a Waste Management Plan under Section 50 of the Environmental Protection Act (1990). The Environment Agency is the Waste Regulation Authority.

Waste-inert

Waste that will not biodegrade or decompose. Includes uncontaminated soil, sand, clay, rocks and glass.

Waste-special

Wide variety of waste types that give rise to particular risks or nuisance (e.g. clinical waste or sludge). It is often hazardous and therefore subject to strict controls.

Western Corridor

Churscombe Cross, Marldon to Windy Corner, Galmpton. The Western Corridor Study was commissioned by Torbay Council to study the options for improving traffic and travel conditions along the Western Corridor.

Wetlands

See Ramsar sites.

White goods

Electrical goods, usually bulky in nature.

Wildlife Corridor

Areas of land which enable movement of fauna and flora between habitats. The corridors are often, but not always, undeveloped.

Wildlife Site - County

County Wildlife Sites represent the best examples of semi-natural habitats within the County and many are likely to support rare and local species and communities.

Wildlife Site - Local

Local Wildlife Sites are sites that do not meet the strict scientific criteria necessary for selection of County Wildlife Sites but are still of great value for wildlife within the context for Torbay. In addition, many of these sites may have particularly important social, educational, recreational, landscape or aesthetic value.

Windfall sites

Housing sites which are not allocated on the Proposals Map, either because they were not identified as realistic proposals when the Local Plan was prepared, or because they are too small to be shown on the Proposals Map. They include infills, redevelopments and conversions and are a source of new housing which supplements Local Plan allocations. See also Urban Housing Potential Study.

Winter letting

Letting holiday accommodation to non tourist residential users during the winter months.

Workforce

Those members of the population employed or eligible to be employed.

Written Statement

The text of the Local Plan describing objectives, policies and proposals, explanatory text and other supporting information (see Local Plan).

Zone A Commercial rental levels

A valuation term relating to the highest rental frontage of shops. It often although not always refers to the first 7m of a premises’ depth.

28 day sites

Sites used for camping (or similar) purposes for up to 28 days a year under the benefit of permitted development rights.

68dBA

68 decibels; defined by the Noise Insulation (Amendment) Regulations (1998) as the level of noise which, if exceeded, could be significant to health and amenity.