Part B Development Management Policy - Draft Local Plan for Buckinghamshire (Reg 18)

Term

Definition

Active Frontage

Frontages that have lively internal uses, particularly at ground level, which are either visible from the street or spilling out onto the street, via frequent doors and windows. Narrow plots or buildings with a variety of uses provide a better quality active frontage than single large plots or uses.

Accessible Housing

Homes designed or adapted to make them usable by people with disabilities, including wheelchair users, those with mobility issues, and those with other physical or sensory impairments. Building Regulations Part M Categories M4(2) and M4(3) are optional requirements which local authorities can apply through local planning policies where they have identified a local need and where the viability of development is not compromised.

Accessible Greenspace Standards

Accessible Greenspace Standards developed by Natural England in 2023. https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/GreenInfrastructure/downloads/Green%20Infrastructure%20Standards%20for%20England%20Summary%20v1.1.pdf Replaced the previous 'Accessible Natural Greenspace Standards 'ANGSt'.

Affordable Housing

Social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing, provided to eligible households whose needs are not met by the market. Eligibility is determined with regard to local incomes and local house prices. Affordable housing should include provisions to remain at an affordable price for future eligible households or for the subsidy to be recycled for alternative affordable housing provision. Homes that do not meet the above definition of affordable housing, such as low-cost market housing, are not currently considered as affordable housing for planning purposes.

Ancient Woodland

Woodland that has existed continuously since at least the year 1600.

Active Streets

Roadway designed to prioritise walking and wheeling over motorised transport and where space for play and other social interaction is important.

Aquifer

A layer of permeable rock which stores and transmits water through its mass. There are different types of aquifers, and these have different properties which affect how water flows underground. For instance, for the chalk aquifer (like the Chiltern), this water movement is mainly through the fractures and fissures.

Asset of Community Value

Land or property of importance to a local community which is subject to additional protection from development under the Localism Act 2011. Voluntary and community organisations can nominate an asset to be included on their local authority's register of assets of community value.

Aylesbury Garden Town

The vision for Aylesbury Garden Town builds on the Town and Country Planning Association principles of sustainable development with the delivery of high quality new homes, new jobs, new transport improvements, and community facilities.

Biodiversity

A collective term for plants, animals, micro-organisms and bacteria which, together, interact in a complex way to create living ecosystems.

Biodiversity Gain Hierarchy

defined in in 37A of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/595

Black or Ethnic Minority (BME)

A socio-economic grouping used with other such groups in housing and economic analysis including from the latest Census data. Utilised within background studies informing the Plan.

Blue Infrastructure

Part of Green Infrastructure - see Green Infrastructure Policy. Blue infrastructure is the green infrastructure elements linked to water. They can be pools, ponds and pond systems, artificial buffer basins or watercourses.

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM)

A sustainability assessment method used globally to evaluate the environmental performance of buildings and infrastructure projects.

Brownfield Register

Brownfield land registers provide up-to-date and consistent information on sites that local authorities consider to be appropriate for residential development having regard to the criteria in national regulations.

Buffer Zone

A landscape feature used to protect. Or for water and ecological buffer it is a distance between development and a habitat or waterway.

Carbon Footprint

A measure of the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organisation or community.

Chilterns Building Design Guide

Produced by the Chilterns Conservation Board, the Guide contains practical advice on how to build or restore properties in a way that is appropriate in and around the Chilterns National Landscape. It covers such topics as the setting of buildings, the design of vernacular features and the use of traditional local materials. By promoting the use of the Guide the Board aims to ensure consistency of design and materials across the Landscape.

Climate Change

Climate change refers to a large-scale, long-term shift in the planet's weather patterns and average temperatures. Since the mid 1800s, humans have contributed to the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the air. This causes global temperatures to rise, resulting in long-term changes to the climate.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

A charge on new buildings and extensions to help pay for supporting infrastructure. This new charge replaces the Section 106 tariff, but Section 106 agreements will still be used for the specific impacts of a development (such as a new access road) and for affordable housing. Unlike Section 106, CIL is non-negotiable and collection is purely an administrative process. The levy and what it covers is set out in a charging schedule that is consulted on prior to submission to Government and a public examination prior to adoption by the council.

Conservation Area

A locally designated area of special architectural interest, where the character or appearance is desirable to preserve or enhance. The council carries out occasional reviews of the special interest through character appraisals and management plans.

Council Monitoring Reports

Provide a snapshot of how we are performing against our planning policies. For example the Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) is an annual snapshot. This includes information on housing, employment, and the environment. It is a record of how the council is performing and how much development is taking place.

The AMR is made up of documents that will be updated at least annually, when information becomes available.

Community Facilities

Multi-purpose community buildings such as community centres, village halls, church halls, indoor and outdoor sports facilities available for public and community use and public open space including green infrastructure.

Cultural Facilities

Purpose-built arts and entertainment venues such as cinemas, theatres and arts centres.

Custom Build Housing

Custom build is a supported route to creating a bespoke self-build home, usually on multi-plot serviced sites where planning permission and utilities are already in place. Custom build home plots are ready to go with options ranging from a turnkey approach to a more hands-on method whereby customers have more control over design, layout, finishes and build route.

Defined Town Centres

(Is specific to the policy - Definition needs to come from the persons writing the policy).

Development Plan

The statutory development plan for determining planning applications and appeals in Buckinghamshire. This comprises the adopted Buckinghamshire Local Plan, any made neighbourhood plans and the Buckinghamshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan.

Diversification

Rural/ agricultural (Is specific to the policy - Definition needs to come from the persons writing the policy).

Duty to Co-operate

The 'duty to co-operate' is a legal requirement on the council in the local plan preparation process. The duty concerns the council and neighbouring district/borough councils, county councils and other identified public bodies. The council is required to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the duty has been undertaken appropriately for the Plan.

East-West Rail

A new railway network, partly using existing track that will connect Reading and Oxford across to East Anglia via Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. In the shorter term, the East West Rail Consortium's priority is to deliver the western section of the route comprising Oxford to Milton Keynes. This section will open in late 2025 with services calling at the new Winslow station. There is planning for the section further east to Bedford. The council and other stakeholders support a future spur line from Winslow to Aylesbury.

Economic Development

Any development for the following Use Classes, B2 (General Industrial), B8 (Storage and Distribution), C1 (Hotels), D1 (Non-residential institutions), D2 (Assembly and Leisure), E (Commercial, Business and Service) and Sui Generis uses (other than Houses in Multiple Occupation and Hostels. The term 'economic development' land is mainly used in the Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA) study.

Enterprise Zone

Enterprise Zones are designated areas aimed at stimulating economic growth by offering incentives to businesses to establish or expand their operations within them. The incentives are business rates discount, enhanced capital allowances and the use of Local Development Orders. Buckinghamshire Enterprise Zone is facilitating the strengthening of infrastructure at Silverstone Park, Westcott Venture Park and Arla / Woodlands sites; attracting and developing new business investment; accelerating the growth and development of local enterprise; and helping address the business critical infrastructure needs of the sites.

Extra Care Housing

The term 'extra care' housing is used to describe developments that comprise self-contained homes with design features and support services available to enable self- care and independent living. It comes in a huge variety of forms and may be described in different ways, for example: very sheltered housing, housing with care, retirement communities or villages. Occupants may be owners, part owners or tenants.

Flood Zones

Areas of land assessed as being of low risk (Flood Zone 1), medium (Flood Zone 2), high (Flood Zone 3a) and the functional floodplain (Flood Zone 3b) where no development should take place. The Environment Agency identifies where the flood zones are and reviews them quarterly. Buckinghamshire Council must carry out a strategic flood risk assessment to look at all forms of flooding and the impact of flood defences. Guidance on planning and flood risk is set out in the NPPF (2012) and Planning Practice Guidance.

Geodiversity

The variety of rocks, fossils, soils, landforms and natural processes.

Golden Rules

Introduced by the NPPF 2024. Para 156. a. affordable housing which reflects either: (i) development plan policies produced in accordance with paragraphs 67-68 of the NPPF; or (ii) until such policies are in place, the policy set out in paragraph 157;

b. necessary improvements to local or national infrastructure; and

c. the provision of new, or improvements to existing, green spaces that are accessible to the public. New residents should be able to access good quality green spaces within a short walk of their home, whether through onsite provision or through access to offsite spaces.

Green Belt

A policy designation for controlling urban growth to prevent neighbouring towns from merging into one another, assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment, preserve the setting and special character of historic towns, and assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land. Within the Green Belt, guidance for which is set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (2012), land is to be kept permanently open and only used for agriculture open space, forestry and outdoor recreation and limited infilling of villages and previously development land.

Green Infrastructure

A planned network of high quality multi-functional green space and interconnecting links in urban and rural areas with environmental features designed in delivering a wide range of environmental social and economic quality-of-life benefits for local communities. Green infrastructure includes urban and country parks, green open recreation spaces, commons and village greens, woodland, natural and semi-natural habitats for wildlife, Local Nature Reserves and Local Wildlife Sites, historic parks, ancient monuments and landscapes, watercourses, lakes, ponds, footpaths, cycleways, allotments and other recreational routes.

Greenfield Land

Land which has not been previously developed.

Green Roofs/ Walls

A roof or wall of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing structure. Sometimes known as a living roof or wall.

Grey Belt

Land in the Green Belt comprising previously developed land and/or any other land that, in either case, does not strongly contribute to any of purposes (a), (b), or (d) in paragraph 143. 'Grey belt' excludes land where the application of the policies relating to the areas or assets in footnote 7 (other than Green Belt) would provide a strong reason for refusing or restricting development.

Groundwater Source Protection Zone

Source Protection Zones (SPZs) are defined around large and public potable groundwater abstraction sites. The purpose of SPZs is to provide additional protection to safeguard drinking water quality through constraining the proximity of an activity that may impact upon a drinking water abstraction.

Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Needs Assessment

The Government requires each local planning authority to set pitch targets for Gypsies and Travellers and plot targets for Travelling Showpeople which address the likely permanent and transit site accommodation needs of Travellers in their area. The four former district authorities in Buckinghamshire worked collaboratively to bring forward a traveller accommodation needs assessment in conjunction with Opinion Research Services (ORS).

Habitable Room

A habitable room is a room used or intended to be used for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking purposes. This includes spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms. Bathrooms, toilets, hallways, and storage areas are not considered habitable rooms.

Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA)

Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) is required under the European Directive 92/43/EEC on the 'conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora for plans' that may have an impact on Habitats (Natura 2000) Sites. Its purpose is to consider the impacts of a land-use plan against conservation objectives of the site. This is to ascertain whether it would, alone or in combination with other plans or projects, adversely affect the integrity of the site. Where significant negative effects are identified, alternative options should be examined to avoid any potential damaging effects. The three stages of HRA after evidence gathering are Screening then Appropriate Assessment then Derogations. The first two stages have been completed for this Draft Local Plan.

Heritage Assets

A collective term for either designated or non-designated assets. Designated assets are listed buildings, scheduled monuments, registered historic parks and gardens, registered battlefields and conservation areas. Non-designated assets ae those buildings, monuments, sites, places, areas or landscapes identified as having enough significance that they should be considered in planning decisions.

High Speed 2 Rail (HS2)

The Government's high speed railway line from London to Birmingham (phase 1 due to open in 2026) and the north of England (phase 2), cutting through Aylesbury Vale from the southeast near Wendover and Aylesbury to northwest near Turweston. The council is working with other partner organisations to minimise its impact.

Historic Environment

A collective term to encompass people's interaction with heritage assets which include buildings, monuments, sites, places, areas or landscapes identified as having a degree of significance meriting consideration in planning decisions because of their heritage interest.

Historic Parks and Gardens

The Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England provides a listing and classification system for historic parks and gardens similar to that used for listed buildings. The register is managed by Historic England under the provisions of the National Heritage Act 1983. Over 1,600 sites are listed, ranging from the grounds of large stately homes to small domestic gardens, as well as other designed landscapes such as town squares, public parks and cemeteries.

Homes England

The government's housing and regeneration agency supporting house building and regeneration projects across the country. Can purchase land, form partnerships and provide funding.

5 Year Housing Land Supply

The supply of specific deliverable housing sites on which housing completions are expected. The five-year housing land supply is the number of dwellings expected to be completed in the next five years, compared to the Local Plan target for the next five years (this is normally expressed in terms of the number of years worth of supply).

Housing Market Area (HMA)

A geographical area defined by household demand and preferences for all types of housing, reflecting the key functional linkages between places where people live and work.

Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (HELAA)

A key component of the evidence base to support the delivery of sufficient land for housing and employment to meet the community's need for more homes. The HELAA is an assessment to identify land for housing and assess the deliverability and developability of sites. These assessments are required by the National Planning Policy Framework (2012).

Housing and Economic Development Needs Assessment (HEDNA)

A Housing and Economic Development Needs Assessment (HEDNA) is a study required by Government of Local Planning authorities to inform Local Plans in terms of housing targets, housing need, demand, migration and commuting patterns and the development of planning and housing policy as well as the future quantity of land or floorspace required for economic development needs.

Housing Trajectory

A table (optionally accompanied by a graph) included in the Local Plan which sets out information on past and projected annual housing completions in comparison to the Local Plan target. The trajectory is a tool for analysing and illustrating whether or not housing delivery is on track.

Infrastructure Delivery Plan (IDP)

The IDP's role will be to identify all items of infrastructure needed to ensure the delivery of the growth targets and policies contained in the Buckinghamshire Local Plan. This ensures that an appropriate supply of essential infrastructure is provided alongside new homes, workplaces and other forms of development up to 2033.

Landscape Character Assessment

The process of identifying and describing variation in character of the landscape. LCA documents identify and explain the unique combination of elements and features that make landscapes distinctive by mapping and describing character types and areas. They also show how the landscape is perceived, experienced and valued by people. There are older LCAs for Aylesbury Vale, Wycombe, Chiltern and South Bucks areas and a more recent Buckinghamshire review and update for the new local plan.

Lead Local Flood Authority

The Lead Local Flood Authorities are responsible for reducing the risk of flooding from surface water, groundwater and ordinary watercourses. The LLFA is responsible for investigating, mitigating and planning for flooding that does not come from statutory main rivers or reservoirs. In Buckinghamshire, the council is the LLFA.

Lifetime Homes

Lifetime Homes are ordinary homes designed to incorporate 16 Design Criteria that can be universally applied to new homes at minimal cost. Each design feature adds to the comfort and convenience of the home and supports the changing needs of individuals and families at different stages of life.

Lifetime Homes are about flexibility and adaptability.

Listed Building

A listed building is a building that has been placed on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.

Live Work Space

A property that combines a dwelling with commercial or industrial working space within a single unit as a requirement or condition of planning permission.

Local Green Space

Local Green Space designation takes place through a Neighbourhood Plan. It is a way to provide special protection against development for green areas of particular importance to local communities. Local Green Spaces being designated must meet the tests of the designation in the NPPF to pass the neighbourhood plan examination.

Local Development Scheme (LDS)

The detailed timetable and project plan of all development plan documents and supplementary planning documents that are to be produced over a set period – normally three years.

Local Geological Site

Local sites are non-statutory areas of local importance for nature conservation that complement nationally and internationally designated geological and wildlife sites (previously Regionally Important Geological Sites).

Local Nature Recovery Strategy

These agree priorities for nature recovery and propose actions in the locations where it would make a particular contribution to achieving those priorities. Every strategy must contain a local habitat map and a written statement of biodiversity priorities. Each strategy works with Natural England and has a wide variety of local stakeholders involved.

The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes LNRS is due to be adopted in autumn 2025.

Local Nature Reserve

Local Nature Reserves are for both people and wildlife. They are places with wildlife or geological features that are of special interest locally for both people and wildlife.

Local Nature Partnership (LNP)

A body, designated by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, established for the purpose of protecting and improving the natural environment in an area and the benefits derived from it. In Buckinghamshire this is called the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Natural Environment Partnership, established in 2012, including the Delivery Group.

Local Plan

This plan (The Local Plan For Buckinghamshire). More generally, the term "local plan" can refer to any development plan document adopted under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, such as the Buckinghamshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan. These local plans, together with any made neighbourhood plans, form the development plan for Buckinghamshire which is the basis for determining planning applications and appeals in Buckinghamshire.

Local Wildlife Site

Previously known as Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation or County Wildlife Sites, these are areas of land with significant wildlife value. They are typically an area of ancient woodland, a flower-rich hay meadow or a village pond.

Low Carbon

Low carbon energy refers to sources of energy that release significantly lower levels of greenhouse gases compared to traditional energy sources such as coal, oil, and gas. These sources include renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal, as well as nuclear power. It recognises more sustainable options are needed because renewable sources are not available all the time. Low carbon is materials, an energy source, construction method and a lifestyle.

Market Housing

Private housing for rent or for sale, where the price is set in the open market.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG)

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government sets national planning policy in England, as well as determining what local government does, how well it is working and how it is funded.

National Design Guide / National Model Design Code

Provides detailed national guidance on the production of design codes, guides and policies to promote successful design. It expands on the ten characteristics of good design set out in the National Design Guide, which reflects the government's priorities and provides a common overarching framework for design.

National Landscape Area

An area of countryside designated as having natural features of exceptional beauty and therefore given a protected status. The Chilterns National Landscape Area covers 27% of Buckinghamshire.

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is the Government's statement of national planning policy and all Local Plans must be in general conformity with it and this is tested at a Local Plan Examination. The NPPF that the VALP was prepared and examined under was published on 27 March 2012 and replaced numerous planning policy guidance documents, statements and circulars. It was accompanied by Technical Guidance to the NPPF on flood risk, on minerals and waste and a planning policy statement on Traveller sites.

Neighbourhood Plan

A type of planning policy document that after 'making' can be used (alongside the Buckinghamshire Local Plan) to determine planning applications. The plans are prepared by a parish/town council or designated neighbourhood forum for a particular neighbourhood area (made under the Localism Act 2011) and have to be in general conformity with the Buckinghamshire plan, undergo Examination and a Referendum. A neighbourhood plan should support strategic development needs set out in the Local Plan and plan positively to support local development. A neighbourhood plan becomes part of the statutory development plan once it has been made (brought into legal force) by the local planning authority.

Net Zero

The point at which greenhouse gas emissions produced are balanced by greenhouse gas emissions prevented or removed from the atmosphere.

Office for National Statistics (ONS)

The UK's largest independent producer of official statistics and the recognised national statistical institute of the UK.

Planning in Principle (PIP)

The Homes and Planning Act 2016 requires local authorities to keep a register of brownfield land within its area capable of being granted 'planning permission in principle' (PIP) for housing. Proposals include extending PIP for sites identified in local and neighbourhood plans providing permission in respect of matters relating to location, uses and the amount of development on particular sites.

Planning Practice Guidance

Practical guidance that supplements policy in the National Planning Policy Framework. The Government launched the Planning Practice Guidance on 6 March 2014, replacing a raft of separate detailed best practice guidance covering many areas of town planning issues.

Playing Pitch Strategy

Buckinghamshire study to assess existing playing pitch facilities and to set out where they are sufficient or where they need to be replaced or expanded.

Policies Map

A map (or maps) that illustrates the application of policies and proposals in a Local Plan. The Policies Map is a development plan document.

Primary and Secondary Shopping Frontages

Cover specified rows of ground floor units within identified town centres and seek to retain activity-generating uses including a high proportion of retail uses which may include food, drinks, clothing and household goods. Secondary frontages provide greater opportunities for diversity of uses within the frontages such as restaurants. The defined frontages from AVDLP have been reviewed in the Aylesbury Vale Retail Study, 2015.

Primary Shopping Area

An area defined in a Local Plan where retail development is concentrated (generally comprising the primary and those secondary frontages which are adjoining and closely related to the primary shopping frontage).

Previously Developed (Brownfield) Land

Land which is or was occupied by a permanent structure, including the curtilage of the developed land (although it should not be assumed that the whole of the curtilage should be developed) and any associated fixed surface infrastructure. This excludes: land that is or has been occupied by agricultural or forestry buildings; land that has been developed for minerals extraction or waste disposal by landfill purposes where provision for restoration has been made through development control procedures; land in built-up areas such as private residential gardens, parks, recreation grounds and allotments; and land that was previously developed but where the remains of the permanent structure or fixed surface structure have blended into the landscape in the process of time.

Registered Providers of affordable housing

A registered provider of social housing as defined in Chapter 3 of Part 2 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 who is registered with Homes England and has not been removed from the register.

Renewable Energy

Renewable is energy made from renewable natural resources that are replenished on a human timescale. The most widely used renewable energy types are solar energy, wind power, and hydropower.

Rural Exception Sites

Small sites used for affordable housing in perpetuity where sites would not normally be used for housing. Rural exception sites seek to address the needs of the local community by accommodating households who are either current residents or have an existing family or employment connection. Small numbers of market homes may be allowed at the local authority's discretion, for example where essential to enable the delivery of affordable units without grant funding.

Self-Build Housing

Where the plot purchaser is responsible for all elements of their build. From browsing building plots for sale at the beginning, and later achieving planning permission on the house design. Through to sourcing builders and trades, taking on the role of project manager, and sometimes carrying out construction work.

Self-Build and Custom Housing Register

The Homes and Planning Act 2016 requires local authorities to keep a register of people seeking to acquire land to build or commission their own homes and to grant sufficient suitable development permissions of serviced plots to meet demand.

Scheduled Monument

Nationally important archaeological site or historic building, given protection against unauthorised change.

Section 106 Agreement

An agreement entered into between a local authority and a landowner and/or developer under section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The agreement will contain planning obligations which the local authority wish to secure, or which the developer wishes to offer, in return for planning permission being granted.

Settlement Hierarchy

A way of identifying and arranging the settlements of greater than 500 population into an order for the purposes of distributing housing and employment land growth to towns and villages in Buckinghamshire based upon sustainability criteria.

Site Allocations

Designations of land use, types and levels of development and other details identified in a Local Plan. Allocations are made in this Buckinghamshire Local Plan and in Neighbourhood Plans

Sites of National and International Importance

These are Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). For these sites the harm that may be caused to the wider national network of sites will also be considered. Developments that are likely to affect the integrity of SACs are required to follow the protocol as outlined in the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

A national designation indicating one of the country's very best wildlife and/or geological sites. SSSIs include some of the most spectacular and beautiful habitats: wetlands teeming with wading birds, winding chalk rivers, flower-rich meadows, windswept shingle beaches and remote upland peat bogs.

Strategic Drainage Strategy

Studies which identify and assess the level of flood risk for a development sit as a whole and provide understanding of required drainage requirements.

Sustainability

In planning policy terms, sustainability refers to a guiding principle that ensures development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses a balanced approach to economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection.

Sustainable community

A place or area that is designed to meet the needs of its residents while ensuring the health of the environment and the economy for future generations. It emphasizes a balance between social equity, economic viability, and environmental protection, fostering a high quality of life for all members.

To measure sustainability in a community, various indicators can be used including those in sustainability appraisals.

Sustainable Development

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Achieving sustainable development is defined in paragraphs 7 to 14 of the NPPF.

Sustainable Transport

The NPPF defines sustainable transport as modes of transport that are efficient, safe, and accessible with a low overall environmental impact. This includes walking, cycling, low and ultra-low emission vehicles, car sharing, and public transport. The NPPF emphasizes that transport policies should contribute to sustainable development, reduce carbon emissions, and promote healthy communities.

Special Areas of Conservation

An area which has been given special protection under the European Union's Habitats Directive. SACs provide increased protection to a variety of wild animals, plants and habitats and are a vital part of global efforts to conserve the world's biodiversity. The SACs relevant to the Buckinghamshire Plan are Burnham Beeches, the Chiltern Beechwoods and Aston Rowant. The impact of the Local Plan proposals on these will be considered in the Appropriate Assessment/Habitats Regulations Assessment.

Starter Homes

A new dwelling only available for purchase by qualifying first-time buyers and which is made available at price which is significantly less than its market value, but which is below a price cap. Outside Greater London, the price cap will be significantly lower. There are commonly age limits on eligibility for starter homes.

Statement of Community Involvement

Sets out the approach of the authority to involving the community in the preparation, alteration and review of Local Development Documents and in the consideration of significant planning applications.

Strategic Accessible Natural Greenspace

An area of land designated for recreational purposes that is designed to offset disturbance and pressures on sites that are protected for their habitat value under Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended).

This legislation governs sites that are internationally important, typically either Special Protection Areas (SPAs), which are valued for their rare, threatened or vulnerable bird populations, or Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), which are valued for their flora and fauna (excluding birds). To be a SANG, the space has to meet standards set out by Natural England for example the space which is freely available and useable to all, is natural in form and is green so typically a park.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

Environmental assessment of policies, plans and programmes required under the European SEA Directive 2001/42/EC.

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA)

A study and final report identifying all types of flood risk in Buckinghamshire and the considerations that development should adhere to including avoiding building in higher areas of flood risk and incorporating mitigation measures including sustainable drainage systems. A new SFRA will be prepared to support the growth identified in the Buckinghamshire Local Plan.

Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

More detailed planning guidance to supplement what is in Development Plan Documents. SPDs cannot make new policy; there must be 'policy hook' to a policy or proposal in a Development Plan Document.

Sustainability Appraisal

An evaluation of the social, environmental and economic effects of policies and proposals in the Buckinghamshire Plan. The purpose is to ensure that the Local Plan documents are produced in accordance with the Government's definition of sustainable development included in the NPPF (2012). Sustainability Appraisals are carried out in line with Government Guidance to meet the terms of Strategic Environmental Assessment which are required under an EU Directive.

Town Centre

Defined area, including the primary shopping area and areas of predominantly leisure, business and other main town centre uses within or adjacent to the primary shopping area.

Vulnerable Groups

Those at greatest risk of experiencing health inequalities which include, but are not limited to, children and young people, older adults, ethnic minorities, traveller communities, people with physical, sensory or non-visible learning disabilities, people with mental health issues, people living in areas of deprivation or those who can be socially marginalised (for example, people experiencing homelessness, traveller communities and people in contact with the criminal justice system).

Water Cycle

A term used for the assessment of the impact of development on wastewater treatment work capacity, surface water management, wastewater networks, water quality and water supplies.

Windfall Sites

Sites which have not been specifically identified as available in the Local Plan process. They normally comprise previously developed sites that have unexpectedly become available for new development.

Zero Carbon

Zero carbon emissions associated with the total energy use (regulated + unregulated) across the course of each year. This is achieved by meeting best-practice energy efficiency targets that are in line with the performance needed for the UK's carbon reduction trajectory, as established by industry thought-leading bodies. Also, annually generating renewable energy equal to the building's energy demand over the course of each year, achieving a balance of renewable energy export and grid energy import. Finally, achieving this renewable generation on site, or, where this is demonstrably unfeasible, contributing to off-site renewable energy directly or through an energy offsetting fund implemented within Buckinghamshire.

Zone of Influence

The area where increased residential development will result in likely significant effects on part of a Special Area of Conservation. Any new residential development within the Zone of Influence will be required to mitigate the effects of the development and show how this will be achieved prior to approval of planning permission.

AAL

Area of Attractive Landscape

ACV

Assets of Community Value

AGT

Aylesbury Garden Town

ANGSt

Accessible Natural Green Space Standards

AQMA

Air Quality Management Area

BREEAM

Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Metho

CIL

Community Infrastructure Leve

CROW Act

Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000

DPD

Development Plan Document

DtC

Duty to Co-operate

EA

Environment Agency

FEMA

Functional Economic Market Area

FRA

Flood Risk Assessment

GB

Green Belt

GI

Green Infrastructure

GPDO

General Permitted Development Order

GTAA

Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment

ha

Hectares

HEDNA

Housing and Economic Development Needs Assessment

HELAA

Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment

HER

Historic Environment Record

HIA

Health Impact Assessment

HMA

Housing Market Area

HMO

House in Multiple Occupation

HRA

Habitats Regulations Assessment

HS2

High Speed 2

IDP

Infrastructure Delivery Plan

JNSA

?

LLA

Local Landscape Area

LDS

Local Delivery Scheme

LTP

Local Transport Plan

MUGA

Multi-Use Games Area

NEP

Natural Environment Partnership

NPPF

National Planning Policy Framework

NPPG (or PPG)

National Planning Practice Guidance, sometimes referred to as Planning Practice Guidance

PPTS

Planning Policy for Traveller Sites

PPS

Playing Pitch Strategy

RBMP

River Basin Management Plan

S106

Section 106 Planning Obligation

SA

Sustainability Appraisal

SAC

Special Area of Conservation

SANG

Strategic Accessible Natural Greenspace??

SCI

Statement of Community Involvement

SDS

Strategic Drainage Strategy

SEA

Strategic Environmental Assessment

SEP

Strategic Environmental Plan

SFRA

Strategic Flood Risk Assessment

SQM

Square Metre

SPD

Supplementary Planning Document

SSSI

Site of Special Scientific Interest

SUDS (or SuDS)

Sustainable Drainage Systems

TPO

Tree Preservation Order

WFD

Water Framework Directive