Application (Planning Application)

A formal request for permission to carry out development (e.g. build, extend, or change the use of land/buildings).

Approval (Decision Notice)

The written confirmation from the planning authority that your application has been approved, often with conditions attached.

Building Regulations

Rules that set standards for the design and construction of buildings, to ensure safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility. Separate from planning permission.

Lawful Development Certificate

A legal certificate confirming that a proposed use or development does not need planning permission.

Conditions

Requirements attached to a planning permission that must be met (e.g. using certain materials, or submitting further details before starting work).

Conservation Area

An area of special architectural or historic interest, where extra planning controls are in place to protect its character.

Development

Any building work, engineering work, or change in the use of land or buildings.

Enforcement

Action taken by the planning authority if development happens without permission, or if planning conditions are not met.

Listed Building

A building of special architectural or historic interest that is legally protected. Extra consent (Listed Building Consent) is needed for changes that affect its character.

Material Considerations

The issues that can legally be taken into account when deciding a planning application (e.g. privacy, traffic, design). Personal circumstances, property value, or loss of a private view are not material considerations.

Permitted Development Rights

Rights that allow certain small-scale works to take place without applying for planning permission (though these are more limited in National Parks and may not apply to listed buildings or conservation areas).

Pre-application Advice

Guidance given by the planning authority before you make a full planning application, to help improve your proposal and identify possible issues early.

Validation

The process of checking that a planning application has all the correct forms, fees, and supporting documents before it can be assessed.

Variation of Condition

A request to change or remove a condition attached to an existing planning permission.

Curtilage

The land around a house that belongs to it, such as a garden, yard, driveway, or nearby buildings. It marks the area that is clearly part of the home.