Planning-related abbreviations and glossary

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A comprehensive glossary of planning-related terms is available on the Planning Portal.

Action in Rural Sussex

The role of Action in Rural Sussex, previously the Sussex Rural Community Council, is to identify problems and to respond to the needs of rural communities - providing practical help and helping villages in Sussex to remain vibrant places to live and work. In addition to practical work with rural communities they champion their needs wherever policy is being made that will affect them.

Adoption

The final confirmation of a Development Plan Document or Local Development Document status by a local planning authority.

Affordable housing

Housing, whether for rent, shared ownership or outright purchase, provided at a cost considered affordable in relation to incomes that are average or below average, or in relation to the price of general market housing.

Aftercare

The steps to be taken to bring land to the required standard for use for its intended use once mineral working has taken place, and its subsequent maintenance.

After-use

The ultimate purpose to which former mineral or waste disposal sites are returned. (See Reclamation.)

Aggregates

Sand, gravel, crushed rock and other bulk materials used by the construction industry.

Agricultural Land Classification

The process used by the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to determine the quality of agricultural land. Grades 1, 2, and 3a are classed as being of the 'best and most versatile' and this should be taken into account alongside other sustainability considerations (Para 28, Planning Policy Statement 7, 2004).

AMR

See "Annual Monitoring Report".

Ancient woodland

Woodland that is believed to have existed from at least mediaeval times.

Annual Monitoring Report (AMR)

An annual monitoring report is submitted to the government by local planning authorities or regional planning bodies assessing progress with and the effectiveness of a Local Development Framework. Each December, the Council will produce an AMR, which will set out its progress in achieving set goals over the previous financial year. The AMR will cover both the production of document identified in the Minerals and Waste Development Scheme and the achievement of targets in those documents.

AONB

See "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty".

Aquifer

The special underground rock layers that hold groundwater, which are often an important source of water for public water supply, agriculture and industry.

Archaeological evaluation

An assessment of the potential archaeological interest of a site or building. This can be either a desk-based assessment or a field assessment, involving ground survey and small-scale pits or trial trenching carried out by professionally qualified archaeologist(s) looking for historical remains.

Archaeological watching brief

Attendance on site of a suitably qualified or experienced archaeologist during the course of ground excavations associated with mineral operations or the development of a site. Archaeological evidence revealed during such excavations is recorded, with the intention, where appropriate, of subsequent publication of results in an appropriate academic journal, working to a project brief prepared by the planning authority and taking advice where appropriate from archaeological consultants. (for example, taking advice from the County Council's archaeologist).

Area Action Plans

A type of Development Plan Document focused upon a specific location or an area subject to conservation or significant change (for example major regeneration).

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

An area with statutory national landscape designation, the primary purpose of which is to conserve and enhance natural beauty. Together with National Parks, AONBs represent the nation's finest landscapes. AONBs are designated by Natural England (previously the Countryside Agency). West Sussex has three AONBs: Chichester Harbour (confirmed 1964), Sussex Downs (confirmed 1966) and High Weald (confirmed 1983) which together cover 50% of the area of the county.

Biodiversity

The whole variety of life encompassing all genetics, species, and ecosystem variations, including plants and animals.

Borough councils in West Sussex

There are five district and two borough councils in West Sussex: Adur district, Arun district, Chichester district, Crawley borough, Horsham district, Mid Sussex district, and Worthing borough.

Borrow pits

A temporary mineral working to supply material for a specific construction project.

Brownfield

See "previously-developed land". See also Greenfield.

Building regulations

Building regulations are designed to ensure that development is carried out safely and cover: structural stability, fire safety, preventing dampness, sound resistance, ventilation, hygiene, heating, stairways, and so on. Building control is a district council responsibility.

Built-up area boundary

A policy tool used in local plans and development frameworks to define the areas within which development is accepted in principle, including infilling, redevelopment and conversion: they do not necessarily include all existing developed areas. The built-up area boundaries include any land allocated to meet the requirements of structure and local plans. The area outside defined built-up area boundaries is known in policy terms as the "countryside".

Bund

An artificial mound or embankment used to either screen a site from view, or reduce noise emissions.

Character

A term relating to Conservation Areas or Listed Buildings, but also to the appearance of any rural or urban location in terms of its landscape or the layout of streets and open spaces, often giving places their own distinct identity.

Chichester Harbour Conservancy

The Conservancy was established by the Chichester Harbour Conservancy Act 1971. Its duty is the conservancy, maintenance and improvement of the Harbour and the Amenity Area for recreation and leisure, nature conservation and the natural beauty. The Conservancy also acts as the Joint Advisory Committee for the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Circulars

Planning circulars are government publications setting out procedural matters and guidance.

Civic amenity site

A facility provided by the waste disposal authority that is available to the public to deposit waste which cannot be collected by the normal household waste collection round. Find out about the household waste recycling sites in West Sussex.

Commercial and Industrial Development Survey (CIDS)

The Commercial and Industrial Development Survey is carried out annually to record planning applications which have been granted for Industry, Offices, Warehousing and Retail uses in West Sussex.

Commitments/committed development

All land with current planning permission or allocated in adopted development plans for development (particularly residential development).

Conservation area

A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.

Constant environmental assets

Natural or cultural resources that are considered vitally important and irreplaceable, and where any loss or damage would be extremely serious.

Core Strategy

A Development Plan Document setting out the spatial vision and strategic objectives of the planning framework for an area, having regard to the Community Strategy. Find out about the Minerals and Waste Core Strategy.

Countryside

All the land outside the built-up area boundaries defined in local plans.

Countryside Agency

The Countryside Agency has merged with English Nature to form Natural England.

County council

The local authority that is responsible for waste and minerals planning functions in non-unitary, and non-national park, local authority areas. A county council may provide advice and proposals on strategic planning issues to the regional planning body.

Critical environmental capacity

Areas where there is a need to maintain the overall character and quality of the environment, but not necessarily its exact current make-up.

DCLG

See "Department for Communities and Local Government".

DEFRA

See "Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs".

Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)

The DCLG is the successor department to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). It is an expanded department with a powerful new remit to promote community cohesion and equality, as well as responsibility for housing, urban regeneration, planning, and local government.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

DEFRA brings together environmental responsibilities from the former Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAFF) and the former Department of the Environment, Transport, and Regions.

Department for Transport (DfT)

The DfT oversees the delivery of a reliable, safe, and secure transport system, to respond efficiently to the needs of individuals and business while safeguarding our environment. Find out about roads and transport in West Sussex.

Deposit draft

The first statutory stage in the preparation of a structure or local plan under the former planning system. Objections can be made to the Deposit Draft, which would be subject to an 'Examination-in-Public' (for a Structure Plan) or a 'Local Public Inquiry' (for a Local Plan).

Development Plan

A document setting out the local planning authority's policies and proposals for the development and use of land and buildings in the authority's area. The development plan includes the Development Plan Documents within the Local Development Framework and the Regional Spatial Strategy. It may also include saved policies within adopted Unitary, Structure, and Local Plans for a limited period, until they are replaced by adopted Development Plan Documents.

Development Plan Documents (DPD)

The development plan documents which local planning authorities must prepare include a core strategy; generic development control policies; site specific allocations and policies; and a proposals map (with inset maps, where necessary). DPDs may also include area action plans (AAP). DPDs may form one document covering a range of policy areas or a number of individual documents. They will be spatial planning documents and subject to independent examination. There will be a right for those making representations seeking change to be heard at an independent examination.

De-watering

The removal of surface water that accumulates in a pit by the means of continual or seasonal pumping to facilitate mineral working.

DfT

See "Department for Transport".

District councils in West Sussex

There are five district and two borough councils in West Sussex: Adur district, Arun district, Chichester district, Crawley borough, Horsham district, Mid Sussex district, and Worthing borough.

District planning authority

In West Sussex, the district or borough council is the district planning authority. The district planning authorities prepare district or borough-wide local development frameworks and determine planning applications, except mineral and waste applications, which are determined by the County Council.

Economically active

Those persons aged 16 and over who are either in employment (whether as employees, self employed, on Government work-related employment training schemes, but excluding those in the Armed Forces) together with those who are unemployed.

EIA

See "Environmental Impact Assessment".

EiP

See "Examination-in-Public".

Energy from waste

The conversion of waste into a usable form of energy, often heat or electricity.

English Heritage

Government advisors with responsibility for all aspects of protecting and promoting the historic environment. English Heritage is responsible for advising the government on the listing of historic buildings. Visit historic buildings in West Sussex.

English Nature

English Nature has merged with the Countryside Agency to form Natural England.

Environment Agency

The Environment Agency is a government body that aims to prevent or minimise the effects of pollution on the environment and issues permits to monitor and control activities that handle or produce waste. It also provides up-to-date information on waste management matters and deals with other matters such as water issues including flood protection advice.

Environmental capacity

The limit of acceptable environmental change within a defined area.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

A process by which information about the environmental effects of a project is collected, both by the developer and from other sources, and taken into account by the planning authority in determining planning applications. Project types are contained in the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1988.

Environmental Statement

A document to be prepared following an Environmental Assessment which provides a systematic and objective account of the significant environmental effects to which the proposed project is likely to give rise. Every Environmental Statement must contain a non-technical summary that will enable non-experts to understand its findings.

ESPACE

ESPACE (European Spatial Planning: Adapting to Climate Events) is an ambitious four-year European project that aims to promote awareness of the importance of adapting to climate change. It will look at how we manage our water resources and plan for a future with a changing climate.

Examination-in-Public (EiP)

Examination by an independent Planning Inspector into the soundness of a Development Plan Document. Representations about the DPD are considered and the Inspector prepares a binding report which specifies precise changes to be made to the DPD before it can be adopted.

Flood plain

Generally low-lying areas adjacent to a watercourse, tidal lengths of a river or the sea, where water flows in times of flood or would flow but for the presence of flood defences.

Fossil fuels

Carbon-rich fuel (coal, oil and natural gas) formed from the remains of ancient animals and plants. Their combustion is considered to contribute to the 'greenhouse effect'.

Full archaeological record

Prior excavation work is undertaken which involves the archaeological evidence being fully recorded, with the intention of subsequent publication of the results in an appropriate journal, working to a project brief prepared by the planning authority and taking advice from archaeological consultants.

Find out about archaeology in West Sussex.

GASDS

Gatwick Airport Sustainable Development Strategy

Generic Development Control policies

A suite of criteria-based policies, which are required to ensure that all development within the area meets the vision and strategy set out in the core strategy. Read about the Minerals and Waste Core Strategy for West Sussex.

GIS

Geographic Information System - a means of recording and storing and displaying map-based information in electronic form. View an interactive map of West Sussex, ideal for planning a day out in the countryside.

Global warming

Rising average world temperature caused by an increase in the release of 'greenhouse' gases, principally carbon dioxide and methane, which trap the sun's heat and warm the earth's surface. Human activity such as the burning of fossil fuels and widespread deforestation has been the main causes of rising concentrations of greenhouse gases.

GOSE

See "Government Office of the South East".

Government Office of the South East (GOSE)

GOSE represents central government in the region and its role is to promote better and more effective integration of Government policies and programmes at a regional and local level.

Green belt (not to be confused with 'greenfield')

A designation for land around certain cities and large built-up areas, which aims to keep this land permanently open or largely undeveloped. The purposes of the green belt is to: check the unrestricted sprawl of large built up areas; prevent neighbouring towns from merging; safeguard the countryside from encroachment; preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; assist urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land. Green belts are defined in a local planning authority's development plan.

Greenfield

Land (or a defined site) usually farmland, that has not previously been developed. See also "previously-developed land".

Greenhouse effect

The gradual heating of the earth due to greenhouse gases, leading to climate change and rising sea levels. Renewable energy, energy efficient buildings, and sustainable travel are examples of ways to help avert the greenhouse effect.

Groundwater

An important part of the natural water cycle present underground, within strata known as aquifers.

Groundwater management scheme

A groundwater management scheme will consist of permanent infrastructure provided to prevent significant obstruction of groundwater flow. It could take the form of a drainage system to intercept groundwater and divert it; either around the site for discharge back into the gravel, or into the surface water system.

Hectare

An area of 10,000 m² (100m x 100m). One hectare = 2.471 acres.

Historic parks and gardens

A park or garden, which may be included in the non-statutory Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England, compiled by English Heritage. Find out about places to visit in West Sussex.

Housing Land Availability

The total amount of land reserved for residential use awaiting development. Find out about housing and residential land in West Sussex.

Hydrocarbons

Compounds consisting wholly of hydrogen and carbon, which form the bulk of oil and natural gas.

Hydro geological survey

The investigation of movement of water below the surface (groundwater).

Hydrological survey

Assessing movement of water above ground (surface water) with particular emphasis on flows in watercourses.

IMD

See 'Index of Multiple Deprivation'.

Incineration

The controlled burning of waste. Energy may also be recovered in the form of heat. (See 'Energy from Waste'.)

Independent examination

The process by which a planning inspector may publicly examine a Development Plan Document (DPD) or a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), in respect, before issuing a binding report. The findings set out in the report of binding upon the local authority that produced the DPD or SCI.

Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD)

A ward-level index made up from six indicators: income; employment; health deprivation and disability; education; skills and training; housing; and geographical access to services. IMD can help to identify areas for regeneration. Find out about the IMD for West Sussex.

Inert waste

Waste not undergoing significant physical, chemical or biological changes following disposal, as it does not adversely affect other matter that it may come into contact with, and does not endanger surface or groundwater.

Infilling

Development between existing uses and buildings within a built-up area boundary.

Infrastructure

Basic services necessary for development to take place, for example, roads, electricity, sewerage, water, education, and health facilities. Find out how planning obligations provide a means to secure necessary infrastructure in relation to new development in West Sussex.

Inspector's report

A report issued by an planning inspector regarding the planning issues debated at the independent examination of a development plan or a planning inquiry. Reports into Development Plan Document (DPD) will be binding upon local authorities.

Issues, Options, and Preferred Option

The 'pre-submission' consultation stages on Development Plan Document (DPD) with the objective of gaining public consensus over proposals ahead of submission to government for independent examination.

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Key diagram

The diagrammatic interpretation of the spatial strategy as set out in a local authority's Core Strategy. In a Regional Spatial Strategy, the key diagram illustrates the spatial strategy and may show links and relationships with other strategies and neighbouring regions.

Key-worker housing

Homes for rent or purchase specifically for 'key workers' who are essential to the local economy but who would otherwise be unable to afford to live and work in an area. The definition of 'key workers' will vary from place to place and over time depending upon local circumstances (to be determined by the district planning authorities). The Government's Starter Homes Initiative targets teachers, nurses, and the police.

Landbank

A stock of land intended for a particular purpose. In minerals planning, a stock of planning permissions for the winning and working of minerals.

Landfill

The disposal of waste material by tipping into voids (holes in the ground): may be used to landscape or reclaim excavated or despoiled land.

LDD

See "Local Development Documents".

LDF

See "Local Development Framework".

LDS

See "Local Development Scheme".

Listed building

A building of special architectural or historic interest. Listed buildings are graded I, II* or II with grade I being the highest. Listing includes the interior as well as the exterior of the building, and any buildings or permanent structures (for example, wells within its curtilage). English Heritage is responsible for designating buildings for listing in England. Find out about listed buildings in West Sussex.

Local Development Documents (LDD)

These include Development Plan Documents (which form part of the statutory development plan) and Supplementary Planning Documents (which do not form part of the statutory development plan). LDDs collectively deliver the spatial planning strategy for the local planning authority's area.

Local Development Framework (LDF)

Local Development Framework is a portfolio of documents prepared by each authority that will contain the authority's policies. In West Sussex, the County Council will be responsible for preparing a countywide LDF for minerals and waste (the Minerals and Waste Development Framework) while each district/borough will prepare their own LDF. It will provide the framework for delivering the spatial planning strategy for the area.

Local Development Scheme (LDS)

Sets out the programme for the preparation of the local development documents (LDD). Find out about the Minerals and Waste Development Scheme.

Local gap

Areas of largely open land between smaller settlements, listed in local plans, which help to maintain their separate identity and prevent their coalescence (see also strategic gap)

Local Nature Reserve (LNR)

Local nature reserves can be statutory designations of sites of local nature conservation significance, declared by local planning authorities under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act, 1949. Other non-statutory local nature reserves are established and managed by a variety of public or private bodies (for example, county wildlife trusts, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds). Find out about Pagham Harbour LNR.

Local Plan

An old-style development plan prepared by district and other local planning authorities. These plans will continue to operate for a time after the commencement of the new development plan system, by virtue of specific transitional provisions. Find out more about district or borough local plans and the county plan for minerals and waste.

Local Planning Authority

In West Sussex, the county council and the district and borough councils are the local planning authorities. Find out more about planning in West Sussex.

Local Transport Plan (LTP)

A plan, which is drawn up by the Transport Authority following widespread consultation which sets the strategy for guiding future investment in highways and transport infrastructure, including proposed packages of measures to meet local transport needs. Find out more about the Local Transport Plan for West Sussex.

Low-cost housing

Housing for sale or rent on the open market at the lower end in terms of price.

Low-level restoration (mineral sites)

The re-establishment of land following mineral extraction, without infilling. This restoration is usually associated with agricultural after-use.

LTP

See "Local Transport Plan".

Marine-dredged aggregates

Sand and gravel dredged from deposits on the seabed and landed at shipping wharves for use as aggregate.

Mid-year estimates

Estimates of population for each district/borough are produced by the Office for National Statistics as at 1 July each year.

Mineral Planning Authority

The planning authority responsible for planning control of minerals development. County councils are normally responsible for mineral matters for their area.

Mineral resource

A potential mineral deposit where the quality and quantity of material present has not been tested.

Minerals and Waste Development Framework (MWDF)

Under the new planning system, introduced through the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, the County Council is required to prepare the West Sussex MWDF. It is essentially a portfolio containing a suite of local development documents (LDD) which include both development plan documents (DPD) and, if required, supplementary planning documents (SPD). The MWDF also includes any saved policies from plans adopted under the former planning system.

Minerals Local Plan

The Minerals Local Plan is a statutory development plan under the former planning system, prepared by a minerals planning authority, setting out policies for the control of development constituting of the winning and working of minerals or the deposit of mineral waste.

Minerals Planning Guidance (MPG)

MPG are documents issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government setting out government policy and advice on minerals planning issues. MPGs are currently being replaced by Minerals Planning Guidance.

Minerals Policy Statements (MPS)

MPS are documents issued by the Department for Communities and Local Government setting out government policy and advice on minerals planning issues, replacing Minerals Planning Guidance.

MWDF

See "Minerals and Waste Development Framework".

National Nature Reserve (NNR)

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. There are 2 NNRs in West Sussex: Kingley Vale and Ebernoe Common.

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 Natural England (previously the Countryside Agency), subject to confirmation by the Secretary of State under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. In 1999, the Government signalled its intention to establish a National Park within the general area of the Sussex Downs and East Hampshire AONBs.

Natural England

Natural England brings together English Nature, the Countryside Agency and the Rural Development Service. Natural England conserves and enhances the natural environment, for its intrinsic value, the well-being and enjoyment of people and the economic prosperity that it brings.

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.

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.

NNR

See "National Nature Reserve".

Objectives and indicators

Objectives are what are trying to be achieved, and indicators are measures that show whether or not objectives are being achieved. They can be used to help show whether planning policy is effective, or be used in helping to conduct a Sustainability Appraisal.

Office for National Statistics (ONS)

Official UK statistics including Britain's economy, population and society at national and local level. Visit the ONS' web site for summaries and detailed data releases.

ONS

See "Office for National Statistics".

Open space

All space of public value, including public landscaped areas, playing fields, parks and play areas, and also including not just land, but also areas of water such as rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs, which can offer opportunities for sport and recreation or can also act as a visual amenity and a haven for wildlife.

PAER

See "Priority Area for Economic Regeneration"

Park and ride

Facilities that seek to reduce urban congestion by encouraging motorists to leave their vehicles at a car park on the edge of towns and proceed into the centre by public transport, usually buses direct from the parking area.

Passenger transport

Also known as 'public transport' and includes buses, trains and taxis but excludes car passengers. A passenger transport corridor is a bus or rail route linking two or more destinations. Find out about roads and transport in West Sussex.

Plan, Monitor, and Manage (PMM)

Approach to housing provision involving three elements: planning for an overall annual rate and distribution of housing; monitoring provision against targets and indicators; managing the process.

Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004

The Act updates elements of the 1990 Town & Country Planning Act. The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 introduces a statutory system for regional planning, a new system for local planning, reforms to the development control and compulsory purchase and compensation systems, and the removal of crown immunity from planning controls.

Planning obligations and agreements

Legal agreements between a planning authority and a developer, or undertakings offered unilaterally by a developer, that ensure that certain extra works related to a development are undertaken. For example, the provision of highways. Sometimes called 'Section 106' agreements. Find out more on the 'planning obligations' page.

Planning Policy Guidance (PPG)

Guidance issued by the Government on planning issues setting out the Government's policy on planning issues such as housing, employment, shopping, tourism, and waste. See also "Planning Policy Statement (PPS)".

Planning Policy Statement (PPS)

Within the context of the reform of the planning system under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, the Government is reviewing and reforming all national planning policy guidance (PPGs). Therefore, PPGs are being replaced by Planning Policy Statements (PPSs) which will set out national policy which must be followed and which will override local policy for specific topics.

Planning Portal

A national website provided by the government for members of the public, local planning authorities and planning consultants. The Planning Portal features a wide range of information and services on planning.

PPG

See "Planning Policy Guidance".

PPS

See "Planning Policy Statement".

Previously-developed land (or 'brownfield' land)

Previously developed land is that which is or was occupied by a permanent structure (excluding agricultural or forestry buildings), and associated fixed-surface infrastructure. The definition covers the curtilage of the development. For further information, read 'PPS3 Housing' on the Planning Portal.

Primary aggregates

Naturally occurring sand, gravel and crushed rock used for construction purposes.

Primary Route Network (PRN)

A nationally designated network of roads suitable for long-distance traffic between major centres. In West Sussex, it includes some of the roads in the Strategic Road Network. Find out about roads and transport in West Sussex.

Priority Area for Economic Regeneration (PAER)

Selected areas in the South East Region where there is significant deprivation and unemployment, areas of poor quality older housing, low educational attainment, high youth unemployment and rising juvenile crime. Identified in Regional Planning Guidance. The Sussex Coast and Towns Priority Areas for Economic Regeneration only covers Shoreham, including the Harbour, within West Sussex.

PRN

See "Primary Route Network".

Proposals map

Illustrates, on an Ordnance Survey base, all the policies and proposals in development plan documents (DPD). It will be revised as new DPD are prepared and it will always reflect the up-to-date planning strategy for the area. For minerals and waste, the proposals map will include safeguarding areas, consultation areas, and any allocations.

Proposed modification

Under the former planning system, a change to a draft structure or local plan proposed formally by the local planning authority (or, rarely, by the Secretary of State) before adoption, for example, after an Examination-in-Public panel submits a report with their recommendations to the County Council, the Council considers the recommendations and publishes for public comment any subsequent changes or 'proposed modifications'.

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Ramsar sites

Sites designated under the European Ramsar Convention to protect wetlands that are of international importance, particularly as waterfowl habitats.

Reasoned justification

The supporting text in a development plan or Local Development Document explaining and justifying the approach set out in the policies contained in the document.

Reclamation

Operations designed to return an area to an acceptable environmental state, whether for the resumption of the former land use or for a new use. It includes restoration, aftercare, soil handling, filling and contouring operations.

Recovery

Value can be recovered from waste by recovering materials through recycling, composting or recovery of energy.

Recycled aggregates

Aggregates produced from recycled construction waste such as crushed concrete and planings from tarmac roads.

Recycling

The reuse of waste material, including domestic and industrial wastes, for the generation of energy, for the development of new products, or in construction. Find out more about recycling in West Sussex.

Regional assembly

Each of the English regions outside of London had a regional chamber that the regions generally call regional assemblies. They were responsible for developing and co-ordinating a strategic vision for improving the quality of life in a region and drawing up the Regional Spatial Strategies such as the South East Plan. The South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA) was dissolved on 31 March 2009, to be replaced by the South East England Partnership Board.

Regional gateway

Airports, main rail stations, ports, and motorways that form a traveller's first point of contact with the area.

Regional Planning Guidance (RPG)

Regional planning policy and guidance issued for each region in England by the Secretary of State under the former planning system. RPG has now been replaced by the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS). The relevant RSS for West Sussex is the South East Plan.

Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS)

A strategy for how a region should look in 15 to 20 years' time and possibly longer. The Regional Spatial Strategy identifies the scale and distribution of new housing in the region, indicates areas for regeneration, expansion or sub-regional planning and specifies priorities for the environment, transport, infrastructure, economic development, agriculture, minerals and waste treatment and disposal.

Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Sites (RIG)

A non-statutory designation based on geological features such as rocks or rock faces, the earth's structure, or landform.

Renewable energy sources

Include solar, wind, wave, hydroelectric and geothermal energy. Increasingly, new sources are being developed through recycling domestic and industrial wastes and from biomass (such as woodland coppicing) where energy crops are used for combustion.

Residential Land Availability

The residential land availability survey is carried out annually to record planning applications that have been granted or land that has been allocated for residential development.

RIG

See "Regionally Important Geological/Geomorphological Site".

RLA

See "Residential Land Availability".

RPG

See "Regional Planning Guidance".

RSS

See "Regional Spatial Strategy".

S106

See "Section 106 Agreement".

SAC

See "Special Area of Conservation".

Scheduled Ancient Monument

A nationally important archaeological site included in the Schedule of Ancient Monuments maintained by the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government, and the Regions under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

SCI

See "Statement of Community Involvement".

Secondary aggregates

Aggregates other than sand, gravel, and crushed rock (primary aggregates) produced as by-products of other processes and used instead of primary aggregates. Secondary aggregates include boiler ashes, burned shale, burned clay, pulverised fuel ash, broken airfield concrete and clay, chalk and shale.

Section 106 agreement

A legal agreement under section 106 of the 1990 Town & Country Planning Act. Section 106 agreements are legal agreements between a planning authority and a developer, or undertakings offered unilaterally by a developer, that ensure that certain extra works related to a development are undertaken. Find out how planning obligations provide a means to secure necessary infrastructure in relation to new development in West Sussex.

SEEDA

See "South East Economic Development Agency".

SEERA

See "South East England Regional Assembly".

SEERAS

See "South East and East of England Regional Air Services Study".

Semi-natural habitats

Areas where plant and animal species are determined primarily by physical characteristics (such as soil type and drainage) and by the interaction between species (such as grazing by deer). Such habitats are generally recognised as being of high nature-conservation value.

Semi-natural woodland

Woodland which does not originate obviously from planting. Includes sites that are considered 'ancient', secondary woods on ancient sites, and woods that may have developed on former settlements or quarries.

Sharp sand/concreting sand

Large grained and angular sand, usually found in association with gravel deposits and predominately used in the manufacture of concrete.

Silt

Fine-grained sediment having a particle size intermediate between that of fine sand and clay.

SINC

Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (same as Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI)).

Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI).

Locally important sites of nature conservation adopted by local authorities for planning purposes. Over 250 SNCIs have been identified in West Sussex which have a significant value on account of flora and/or fauna content. This will help achieve effective nature conservation in the county. Also known as Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). Find out more about SNCIs.

Site-specific allocations and policies

Allocations of sites for specific or mixed uses or development will be contained in development plan documents. Policies will identify any specific requirements for individual proposals;

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

A site identified under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000) as an area of special interest by reason of any of its flora, fauna, geological or physiographical features (such as plants, animals, and natural features relating to the Earth's structure).

SNCI

See "Site of Nature Conservation Importance".

SoCMMS

See "South Coast Multi-Modal Study".

Soft sand/building sand

A fine rounded sand, derived largely from solid sand deposits. Used for a variety of building operations such as the manufacture of mortar and the production of asphalt for road construction purposes.

South Coast Multi-Modal Study (SoCMMS)

The Government has commissioned a transport study of a 150-mile arc between Southampton and Ramsgate (East Kent). The study will make recommendations for a long-term strategy to address passenger and freight transport movement needs on the key transport corridors.

South Downs Joint Committee

The South Downs Joint Committee is a result of a merger between the Sussex Downs Conservation Board and East Hampshire AONB Joint Advisory Committee. Visit South Downs National Authority.

South East and East of England Regional Air Services Study (SEERAS)

The Government is undertaking a review of air services one of which is SEERAS. The study will be released early in 2002 for consultation.

South East Economic Development Agency (SEEDA)

SEEDA is a regional development agency established by the Government in April 1999 to take the strategic lead in promoting the sustainable economic development of the South East region.

South East England Regional Aggregate Working Party (SEERAWP)

A joint working group consisting of local authority officers, representatives of the aggregates industry, central government bodies and British Rail, established to consider the demand and supply of aggregates in South East England.

South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA)

SEERA was the Regional Planning Body for the South East and was responsible for drawing up the South East Plan. SEERA was dissolved on 31 Marcu 2009, to be replaced by the South East England Partnership Board.

South East Region

The South East region covers the county areas of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and West Sussex. The composition of the South East was decided in 1992 when the Conservative government divided England into nine regions for the purpose of establishing its regional outposts, the Government Offices. Visit Government Office for the South East's web site.

SPA

See "Special Protection Area".

Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

Special Areas of Conservation (and Special Protection Areas) are internationally recognised designations under the EU Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora (the Habitats Directive) for the protection of flora and fauna.

Special Protection Area (SPA)

Special Protection Areas (and Special Areas of Conservation) are internationally recognised designations for sites which are intended to protect the habitats of threatened species. SPAs are designated by an EC directive (Directive 79/409/EEC) on Wild Birds to conserve the habitats of certain listed rare or vulnerable species and the habitats of regularly occurring migratory species.

SRN

See "Strategic Road Network".

SSSI

See "Site of Special Scientific Interest".

Statement of Community Involvement (SCI)

The SCI sets out the processes to be used by the local authority in involving the community in the preparation, alteration and continuing review of all local development documents and development control decisions. The SCI is an essential part of the new-look Local Development Frameworks and Minerals and Waste Development Framework (MWDF).

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

A generic term used internationally to describe environmental assessment as applied to policies, plans, and programmes. The European 'SEA Directive' (2001/42/EC) does not in fact use the term strategic environmental assessment; it requires a formal 'environmental assessment' of certain plans and programmes, including those in the field of planning and land-use.

Strategic gap

Area of largely open land between settlements, listed in the Structure Plan (now replaced by the South East Plan), which aimed to maintain the separate identity and amenity of major settlements and prevent their coalescence with each other or with very close small settlements. The boundaries are defined in Local Plans (see also Local Gap).

Strategic locations

Broad locations for major mixed-use development, including housing, identified within the Structure Plan (now replaced by the South East Plan). The details of precise locations and boundaries, mix of uses, and phasing of development are specified in the relevant Local Plan.

Strategic Road Network (SRN)

A road network designated in the West Sussex Structure Plan, comprised of the M23 motorway, the trunk roads, and some other class A roads of more than local importance. These are the main routes that are best able to cater for trips starting or ending outside West Sussex.

Structure Plan

A written statement, prepared under the former planning system, setting out the County Planning Authority's general strategy, policies, and main proposals for change over a 15-year period. The West Sussex Structure Plan 2001-2016 was replaced by the South East Plan in May 2008.

SUDS

See "Sustainable Urban Drainage System".

Superquarry

A quarry capable of producing at least 5 million tonnes of rock per annum and with reserves of at least 150 million tonnes.

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)

Where required, SPDs cover a wide range of issues on which the plan-making authority wishes to provide policy guidance to supplement the policies and proposals in development plan documents (DPD). They will not form part of the development plan or be subject to independent examination.

Supporting network

Roads which cater for more local journeys including links onto the Strategic Road Network.

Sussex Rural Community Council

Sussex Rural Community Council was formed in 1931 as a registered charity but changed its name to Action in Rural Sussex in 2002. The role of Action in Rural Sussex is to identify problems and to respond to the needs of rural communities - providing practical help and helping villages in Sussex to remain vibrant places to live and work. In addition to practical work with rural communities they champion their needs wherever policy is being made that will affect them.

Sustainability Appraisal

A sustainability appraisal is a formal systematic and iterative assessment of local development documents during their preparation which assesses the extent to which they encompass the aim of working towards 'sustainable development' which the Government regards as social progress which recognises the needs of everyone; effective protection of the environment; prudent use of natural resources; and maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment.

Sustainable development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS)

Sustainable drainage systems use techniques to control surface water run-off as close to its origin as possible, before it enters a watercourse. This involves moving away from traditional piped drainage systems to engineering solutions that mimic natural drainage processes such as porous pavements.

Thameslink 2000

A scheme approved by the Secretary of State for Transport in April 1996, for comprehensive improvements to the rail network to provide through services across central London between destinations such as Cambridge and Peterborough and Gatwick and Brighton.

Tonne

1000kg or a metric ton. 1 tonne = 0.984 tons. 1 ton = 1.016 tonnes.

Traffic management

Measures designed to improve the local environment and safety, through reducing accidents, injuries, congestion, and pollution, achieved by slowing traffic speeds or redirecting traffic to more suitable transport routes through various means. Find out about roads and transport in West Sussex.

Transport Authority

In West Sussex, the county council is the Transport Authority. It is responsible for preparing the Local Transport Plan, which includes policies and proposals for safety, new roads, and highway maintenance. Find out about roads and transport in West Sussex.

Unidentified sites

Sites usually for housing, which receive planning permission without being identified in a previous land supply survey. Planning policy guidance allows an appropriate allowance to be made for unidentified housing sites, which includes infilling: see 'PPS3 Housing' on the Planning Portal.

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Waste Local Plan

The Waste Local Plan is a statutory development plan prepared under the former planning system, setting out polices in relation to waste management and related developments.

Water table

The top surface of the saturated zone within the aquifer. The water table will fluctuate seasonally and annually.

Western Policy Area

An area lying to the west and south of London identified in Regional Planning Guidance for the South East, which has now replaced by the South East Plan, as the Western Policy Area. The north-eastern part of West Sussex, focused on Crawley and Gatwick and including the towns of Horsham, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill, forms part of the wider Crawley/Gatwick sub-region of the Western Policy Area.

Windfall

See "unidentified sites".

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