If a new building is to be erected or an existing one altered, building regulation consent will normally be needed. Building Regulations relates to how development is constructed – the principle of whether a  scheme goes ahead and assessment of how it impacts upon the wider area/people is what planning permission deals with.

Planning permission is required for the “material change of use” of a property. This is a change of the main use of a property, not ancillary uses, e.g. if a shop choses to change part of its customer area to an area where goods to be sold will be stored that is a change of ancillary uses. The Use Classes Order (see the entry below for this) specifies various categories of use and planning permission is not required to change the use of a property from one use to another in the same use class. 

A term often relating to Conservation Areas or Listed Buildings, but also to the appearance of any place in terms of its landscape or the layout of streets and open spaces, giving it a distinct identity.

This is a government publication used to explain policy and regulation more fully, setting out written policy that would be a material consideration in the determination of any relevant planning application. Many circulars are quasi-legislative and include a direction or requirement to take specific action or provide guidance on implementation of aspects of national planning policy.

A system eventually intended to largely replace Section 106 agreements by which local authorities can raise funds from owners or developers of land undertaking new building projects in their area to support the provision of infrastructure needed to serve the development. 

A strategy prepared by a local authority to improve local quality of life and aspirations, under the Local Government Act 2000.

An order issued by the government or a local authority to acquire land or buildings in the wider public interest, e.g. for the construction of a major road or to regenerate an area.

Requirements attached to a planning permission that limit or direct the manner in which development is carried out. Should these be breached then the Local Planning Authority can take enforcement action.

Areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character, appearance or setting of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance, permitted development rights may be restricted in these areas.

A local plan document. It sets out the long term vision for a local planning authority area, the strategic objectives, and the strategic planning policies needed to deliver that vision. It should help deliver the spatial elements of the Community Strategy (the objectives that affect how your area will look and how it is used).