This Glossary provides concise definitions of technical terms / phrases which may not be fully explained in the text. It is not intended to give legal definitions.
A.C.E.
Arts, Culture and Entertainment.
ADVERTISEMENT CONTROLS
Outdoor advertisement and signs are controlled by a special set of planning controls, administered by the Council. The present controls used are The Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) Regulations 1992. Council Planning Officers can advise on whether or not a particular type of sign needs planning consent under these Regulations.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Affordable housing is for households whose incomes are insufficient for them to access decent and appropriate housing in the Borough. It comprises:
Social Rented Housing, which is provided by a landlord where access is on the basis of housing need and rents are no higher that target rents set by central government for housing association and local authority rents; and
Intermediate Housing, which is above social rents, but is substantially below open market rents or prices. It can include sub-market renting (including key worker housing that meets that definition), low-cost home ownership and shared ownership.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL PRIORITY ZONES (APZ's)
These are areas which have been identified as having particular archaeological interest in Waltham Forest. Where sites of 0.16 of a hectare (0.4 acre) or more are proposed for redevelopment the Council will assess whether an archaeological evaluation should be undertaken.
AREAS OF SPECIAL CHARACTER
Areas which have been identified by the Council as having particular townscape value or character, although they do not warrant full Conservation Area status.
ARTICLE FOUR DIRECTIONS
Under the nationally applied planning controls set out in the Town and Country Planning General Development Order of 1995, certain types of alterations to private houses (and other works) do not require prior planning permission. In special circumstances the Council can ask the Secretary of State for the Environment to make an exception to these rules and require planning permission to be sought for particular types of work (e.g. if it considers that these are putting the environmental amenity of an area at risk). To do this the Council would seek an 'Article Four Direction' from the Secretary of State under the terms of the 1995 Order.
BIODIVERSITY
The variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and ecological complexes of which they are a part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.
BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN (BAP)
The Waltham Forest (BAP) is an assessment of the borough’s habitats and species, together with specific Habitat or Species Action Plans which set out targets and initiatives to conserve the borough’s diversity.
BIODIVERSITY ACTION PLAN PARTNERSHIP (BAPP)
The Waltham Forest (BAPP) is a group of organisations and individuals who are working together to produce the Waltham Forest Biodiversity Action Plan.
BOROUGH EMPLOYMENT AREAS
Designated areas of borough importance which are specifically identified as appropriate for industrial, business and storage/distribution uses.
BUILDING PRESERVATION NOTICE (BPN)
The Council can ask the Secretary of State for the Environment to serve a special notice on a developer to stop them from demolishing a particular building - if it feels that the building is otherwise at risk of demolition and believes that it is sufficiently important to the local character and amenity of an area. Such a notice normally lasts for 6 months.
BUILDING REGULATIONS
Nationally applied standards to ensure that buildings are safe and habitable.
BUS DEREGULATION
The 1985 Transport Act introduced greater competition in bus services across the country. In London, it is the duty of London Regional Transport to provide bus services either directly through private bus companies or by contract with other operators. London Regional Transport define service patterns and are the guardians of the network.
BUSINESS USE CLASS
Those uses falling within Use Classes B1, B2 and B8 of the Town and Country Planning Use Classes Order 1987 (or any equivalent amending or replacement order).
CAR FREE DEVELOPMENTS (CFD’s)
Residential or other developments where no off-street parking is provided.
COMMUNITY TRANSPORT
Any transport service provided specifically to meet the needs of certain user groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, youth groups, religious groups, and sports clubs.
CONCEALED HOUSEHOLDS
Families or individuals compelled to share accommodation with relatives or friends whilst they are unable to rent or buy housing available locally on the open market.
CONSERVATION AREAS
These are formally designated by the Council as being areas of particular architectural importance and meriting special planning controls e.g. any significant works to buildings would need a prior 'Conservation Area consent' under the planning regulations. Designated Conservation Areas are shown on the Proposals Map.
CONTROLLED PARKING ZONES
These are areas in the Borough's shopping centres and near railway stations where the Council imposes special parking controls to discourage long stay parking.
COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY
A national body responsible for the provision and improvement of facilities for the enjoyment of the countryside.
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport defines the creative industries as "those industries which have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent and which have a potential for wealth and job creation through the generation and exploitation of intellectual property. This includes advertising, architecture, the art and antiques market, crafts, design, designer fashion, film and video, interactive leisure software, music, the performing arts, publishing, software and computer games, television and radio.
DESIGNATED CENTRES
Main commercial areas in the borough as shown on the Proposals Map. Within these areas, the Council will encourage of a range of activities e.g. shopping, services, leisure, employment uses etc, that are likely to attract many people.
DESIGNATED PRIMARY FRONTAGE
Defined areas of a designated centre intended for shopping use - usually representing the focus of retail activity and also where the Council wishes to encourage a high proportion of retail uses.
DESIGNATED SECONDARY FRONTAGE
Defined areas of a designated centre intended for shopping use but where complementary non-retail uses such as restaurants, cafes, launderettes, estate agents, betting offices, and other services principally for visiting members of the public may be permitted.
DEVELOPMENT (MEANING OF)
As defined by Section 55 (1), Town and Country Planning Act, 1990
DTLR
Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions
DISABLEMENT COMMUNITY SERVICE
Council sponsored scheme (e.g. the Local Dial-A-Ride service) which enables people with disabilities or limited mobility to have access to transport.
DISCONTINUANCE ORDER
A statutory notice which the Council can serve on a developer to stop work or order the removal of a building or a use which the Council considers to be undesirable or unauthorised.
ECOLOGY
All issues related to the natural environment
EMPLOYMENT LAND/EMPLOYMENT USE
See “Business Use Class”.
ENGLISH NATURE
Formerly the Nature Conservancy Council. The national body responsible for areas of outstanding nature conservation importance.
FASCIA
The part of a shop front above its window display normally showing the shop's name.
FLOOD ATTENUATION MEASURES
Measures to reduce the risk of flooding.
FLOODPLAIN
An area of low-lying land adjacent to a watercourse which can be subject to periodic flooding.
GLA
The Greater London Authority.
HABITABLE ROOMS (& BASEMENTS)
Any room which meets the building construction legislation's requirements (in terms of being adequately lit, ventilated and free from damp) as being suitable for normal domestic use.
HABITAT ACTION PLAN
Is a document which reviews the status and threats to a particular habitat and sets out actions to improve the status of the Habitat.
HIERARCHY OF CENTRES
The Plan includes a four level hierarchy of shopping/commercial areas in order to provide a distribution of facilities, which minimises the need to travel and yet provide a range of shopping, services, leisure and employment facilities, allowing customer choice and opportunities for new provision.
H.I.P.
The Housing Strategy Statement and Housing Investment Programme (H.I.P.) is produced annually by the Council, and gives a detailed analysis of the local housing market together with a bid by the Borough for assistance from the Department for Transport Local Government and the Regions to tackle its various housing needs.
HOUSEHOLD WASTE & RECYCLING CENTRE
Depots where household rubbish can be taken by local residents for safe disposal or recycling.
INTERIM TRANSPORT PLANS
ITP’s have replaced TPP’s (Transport Policies and Programme) in London, as part of the local authority bidding process. ITP’s will pave the way to Local Implementation Plans (LIP’s) under the GLA, in line with the Mayor’s strategy for transport.
LANDFILL SITE
Land formerly used for dumping wastes.
L.P.C.
Large Panel Construction dwellings built in the 1960s and 1970's. They are non-traditionally constructed blocks of flats, including some tower blocks, on Council-owned housing estates.
LVRPA
The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority is a statutory body responsible for developing and managing the Lee Valley Regional Park for leisure, recreation, sports activities and nature conservation.
LISTED BUILDINGS
Buildings recognised as being of architectural and/or historic importance. The Department of Culture, Media & Sport the Environment maintains a statutory list of such buildings. In addition the Council also has an advisory local list.
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT AREAS
Designated areas of local importance which are specifically identified as appropriate for industrial, business, storage and distribution uses.
These are identified in Schedule 3.
LONDON CYCLING FORUM
A cyclists' lobby group which campaigns for road safety improvements and the development of the London Cycle Network.
LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR ROADS
The locally important traffic routes in the Borough. Their function is to distribute traffic from the main road network to local residential access roads.
LOCAL MANAGEMENT OF SCHOOLS (LMS)
A scheme whereby schools manage their own budgets while remaining accountable to the Local Education Authority under the terms of the Education Reform Act 1988.
LOCAL NATURE RESERVE
LNR’s are designated by local authorities under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Acts 1949. LNR’s are habitats of local significance that make a useful contribution to nature conservation and provide opportunities for the public to learn about wildlife.
LPAC
The London Planning Advisory Committee, was a statutory body (disbanded in 2000, its planning duties being carried out now by the GLA), set up in November 1985 as a consequence of the abolition of the Greater London Council. It advised Boroughs, Government Departments and other interested bodies on strategic planning and development issues.
METROPOLITAN GREEN BELT
The fundamental aim of Green Belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl particularly around large built up areas by keeping land permanently open.
METROPOLITAN OPEN LAND
An area of predominantly open land occurring within the built-up area which is identified as having aesthetic, recreational and/or other environmental significance in London wide terms. Shown on the Proposals Map.
MULTIPLE OCCUPATION
Where two or more households share a single dwelling and communal facilities such as kitchen or bathrooms.
NATIONAL RIVERS AUTHORITY (NRA)
Formerly responsible for safeguarding and improving the natural water environment of rivers and lakes (from 1st April 1996, this responsibility passed on to the Environment Agency).
NETWORK RAIL
The National agency responsible for the maintenance of railway infrastructure(supersedes Railtrack).
NORTH LONDON WASTE AUTHORITY (NLWA)
Is responsible for disposing of domestic, commercial and industrial waste for several London Boroughs (including Waltham Forest).
ODPM
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
PED-SHED
The residential catchment areas within a 10-minute walking distance of a town centre, interpreted flexibly to take account of the existing urban grain and severance factors in the locality.
PERSONAL PERMISSION
Planning permission granted specifically to one person or organisation .
PLANNING OBLIGATION
This normally involves the use of legal agreements between the Council and developers to secure community benefits from specific developments.
PREFERRED INDUSTRIAL LOCATION
Strategic Employment Site normally suitable for general industrial, light industrial and warehousing use.
PRINCIPAL ROADS
Serve as significant local through routes whose function is at the next level down in the Borough's road hierarchy from TLRN routes.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT ACCESSIBILITY LEVELS (PTAL’s)
Methodology used to evaluate the various levels/values of accessibility to public transport services (High, Medium or Low) in different parts of the borough.
RADIO BASE STATION
A Base Station is a macrocell, microcell or picocell site and consists of transmitters and receivers in a cabin or cabinet connected to antennas by feeders.
RAILTRACK
This National agency responsible for rail infrastructure has now been superseded by Network Rail.
REHABILITATION
The improvement of existing houses or flats to acceptable modern standards.
REPAIRS NOTICE
A statutory notice which the Council can issue to an owner where a building is in a serious state of disrepair.
RESIDENTIAL DENSITY
A measure of the intensity of residential use of a specific piece of land / area, usually expressed in terms of the number of habitable rooms per hectare.
RETAIL CAPACITY
The amount of additional floorspace, which will be supported in the borough area/town centres in the future given the growth in population, and consumer expenditure.
SAFEGUARDING DIRECTIONS
Where Safeguarding Directions have been made by the appropriate Secretary of State. They are not proposals of the local planning authority and the developments are to be constructed under the provisions set down in those Directions. The Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) is being constructed under the provisions of the CTRL Act 1996 and Transport and Works Act 1992 Orders.
SITES OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST (SSSIs)
Are designated by English Nature (formerly the Nature Conservancy Council) under section 28 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as being of outstanding importance for nature conservation or because of their particular landscape features.
SPECIES ACTION PLAN
Is a document which reviews the status and threats to a particular species and sets out actions to improve the status of the species.
STRATEGIC EMPLOYMENT AREAS
Designated areas of strategic importance which are specifically identified as appropriate for industrial, business and storage/distribution uses. They are identified in Schedule1 and on the Proposals Map. These fall within the London Plan’s Strategic Employment Locations framework as Preferred Industrial Locations.
STRATEGIC PLANNING GUIDANCE
The Secretary of State for the Environment issued Strategic Planning Guidance for London in 1996 to provide a framework for the preparation of Boroughs' Unitary Development Plans. Boroughs are required to have regard to this Guidance in preparing their UDPs.
SRA
The Strategic Rail Authority has strategic control over development of the national railway system (the maintenance of the railway structure see Network Rail).
TRAFFIC AND TECHNOLOGY SERVICES (TRANSPORT for LONDON)
Has responsibility for advising London Boroughs on matters involving traffic and undertaking improvement and maintenance works, including a system to provide bus priority measures and traffic signals.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES
These are aimed at promoting more efficient local traffic movement in a given area e.g. by re-arranging traffic flows, controlling and regulating times and places for parking and waiting and providing safer conditions for all road users, pedestrians and local residents.
TRANSPORT for LONDON (TfL) ROAD NETWORK
Major roads in the borough which form part of London’s Strategic Road Network. Any proposal which affects a TLRN road requires approval from Transport for London.
TRAVEL PLANS (TP’S)
TP’s set out objectives to reduce the amount of vehicle trips (to and from a site) and encourage more sustainable modes of transport for journeys to work.
UNFIT PROPERTIES
Dwellings deemed to be so far defective in one or more of the following nine matters as not to be reasonably suitable for occupation:- repair, stability, freedom from damp, internal arrangements, natural lighting, ventilation, water supply, drainage and sanitary conveniences, facilities for preparation/cooking of food and for disposal of waste water.
USE CLASSES ORDER (UCO)
A Government Order that Councils must use to decide whether or not proposals to change the use of particular buildings or land require planning permission.