Appendix 1: Glossary and bibliography

Accessibility

Accessibility refers to the design, construction, development and maintenance of environments in a way that ensures they can be used by as many people as possible, including those with disabilities.

Active frontage

Active frontage refers to the design of buildings and spaces along streets or public areas in such a way that promotes engagement, interaction and activity at the ground level.

Active travel

Active travel refers to modes of travel that involve physical activity, especially walking, wheeling and cycling, as the primary means of getting from one place to another. Wheeling is the use of wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams, pushchairs, and similar mobility aids as a means of travel.

Adaptive or adapted cycles

Adaptive or adapted cycles are cycles with specialised equipment or cycle modifications to make them accessible to individuals with varying abilities.

Amenity

Amenity is a feature of a place that is useful, desirable, or pleasant, contributing to the comfort, enjoyment, and quality of life for its users, residents, or visitors.

Appraisal

The assessment of the physical environment, character, assets and restrictions of a site and its surroundings.

Backland development

Backland development refers to building on land located behind the rear building line of existing structures. This is often in garden areas or vacant plots that are not visible from main roads and are typically accessed from a side or rear road.

Banding design

Banding design consists of a decorative band across the top of a building that projects beyond the wall, also known as a cornice.

Basin

A basin is a ground depression that is normally dry, designed to store surface water and provide flow control prior to discharge.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is defined as the variety of plants and animals living within an area or habitat, with different habitats contributing different functions or services for the environment.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

Biodiversity Net Gain is an approach which aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than before. Net gain delivers measurable improvements for biodiversity by creating or enhancing habitats in association with development. This can be achieved preferably on-site, off-site or through a combination of on-site and off-site measures.

Bio-retention area

A bio-retention area is a type of sustainable drainage system (SuDS). It typically consists of a shallow depression with engineered soil layers, vegetation, mulch and sometimes an under-drain system.

Block size (urban)

A block is a defined area of land within a settlement that is bounded by streets or other physical boundaries. It is the basic unit of urban land use and typically consists of a collection of buildings.

Blue infrastructure (networks)

Blue infrastructure usually relates to urban water infrastructure, including ponds, lakes, streams, rivers and storm water provision.

Boundary treatment

A boundary treatment is a means by which areas are enclosed including but not limited to fencing, railing, walls, hedges and other vegetation.

Building line

A building line is the line formed by the frontages of buildings along a street.

Built form

Built form refers to the physical characteristics, layout and arrangement of buildings, structures and other constructed elements within a particular area or built environment.

Change of use

Change of use refers to altering the designated purpose of a building or land from one planning Use Class to another, such as converting a shop into a residential dwelling. If the change is considered “material,” it signifies a substantial change in the property’s purpose that affects the local area, potentially requiring planning permission from the local planning authority (LPA).

Character

Character refers to the distinctive and unique qualities that define the identity, atmosphere and overall feel of a specific area or locality. It encompasses a combination of physical, cultural, historical and social attributes that give a place its sense of personality, charm and authenticity.

Climate change (adaptation and mitigation)

Climate change adaptation is the process of adjusting natural or human systems to respond to current or expected impacts of climate change, aiming to reduce harm or take advantage of new opportunities. Climate change mitigation is action taken to lessen the impact of human activities on the climate, mainly by cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Context

A building or site context usually refers to the surrounding physical environment, but can also refer to the social, economic and political nature of a place.

Conservation area

Section 69 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 places a duty on every local planning authority to determine which parts of their area are areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Such areas can then be designated as conservation areas.

Conservation area appraisal

A conservation area appraisal is a document prepared by local authorities to assess the special architectural and historic interest of a designated conservation area.

Copenhagen-style crossing

A Copenhagen style crossing, or continuous pavement crossing, extends the pavement and cycleway across a minor side road junction, creating a level surface where vehicles must give way to pedestrians and cyclists. This is achieved by including ramps, markings, colouration of surfaces, and by ensuring that the corners are relatively tight.

Copings or coping stone

Copings are the capping or covering of a wall. A splayed or wedge coping is one that slopes in a single direction; a saddle coping slopes to either side of a central high point.

Corbel or corbelling

A corbel or corbelling is an architectural element that projects from a wall and is used to support a structure above it, such as a beam, arch, balcony or cornice (also known as a banding design).

Coursed stone

Coursed stone is stonework laid in regular horizontal layers (courses), where stones are of uniform height. This technique provides a neat, structured appearance and is common in traditional masonry.

Design and Access Statement (DAS)

Design and Access Statements are often submitted as part of a planning application and should clearly detail the access and highway issues related to the development proposal, in accordance with the Local Plan policies and the Design Code Supplementary Planning Document.

Design process (planning)

The design process in planning refers to the structured approach taken by a design team to develop a project, from concept to completion, by breaking it down into stages to ensure quality and meet project goals. This involves analysing requirements, exploring solutions, developing detailed plans, and often following frameworks like the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Plan of Work to guide the process and manage deliverables. For development projects, it is integrated with the planning system to achieve well-designed places.

Detailing

Detailing affects the appearance of a building or space and how it is experienced. It also affects how well it weathers and lasts over time.

Development plan

A development plan sets out the Council’s planning policies for securing growth, investment, sustainable development and improving the environment in the district. The policies seek to improve economic, social and environmental well-being, delivering successful places, businesses and people. A development plan is used as a starting point for decision making on planning applications. An example is the Wakefield District Local Plan.

Dormer

A dormer is an architectural feature that projects from a sloped roof, typically containing a window or windows and often having its own small roof.

Dual aspect

Dual aspect homes have openable windows on two or more external walls, either on opposite sides or on adjacent sides where the building wraps around a corner. This design allows for increased natural light, ventilation and views.

Dwellings per hectare (dph)

Dwellings per hectare (dph) measures the number of homes that can fit into a given area of land, with higher dph indicating more homes and higher density. The specific dph target for a new development depends on factors like its location, proximity to transport, and local policy, with common targets ranging from 30 to 40 dph for greener environments, and to over 50 dph in urban areas.

Eaves

Eaves are the lowest, overhanging part of a sloping roof.

Electric vehicle (EV) charging

Electric vehicle (EV) charging refers to the process of supplying electrical energy to recharge the batteries of electric vehicles.

Enclosure

Enclosure is the relationship between the height of buildings and the width of the space they frame. Taller buildings and a continuous building line increase the sense of enclosure. Different levels of enclosure influence how spaces are used.

Enclosure ratio

Enclosure ratio is an urban design principle that compares the height of buildings to the width of the street or public space that they define. Creating a sense of enclosure can create different visual qualities of space, whilst impacting on the user’s perception of comfort.

Environmental impact assessment

An environmental impact assessment is a process required for certain projects to ensure that decisions consider any likely significant effects on the environment.

Façade

A façade is the external face or front of a building, often designed to be decorative or to express the architectural style of the structure.

Fascia

A fascia is an architectural term that refers to a horizontal board or band located along the edge of a roof. It is typically mounted where the roof meets the outer walls of the building.

Fenestration

Fenestration refers to the arrangement, design and placement of windows, doors and other openings in a building’s façade or envelope.

Filter strips

Filter strips are areas of vegetation, typically grass or other native plants, planted alongside water bodies, drainage channels or agricultural fields.

Formulated design

Formulated design refers to the process of developing and articulating a clear design concept, that guides a projects layout, form and appearance.

Gable

A gable is an architectural feature commonly found on the ends of pitched or sloping roofs. It typically forms a triangular shape and is created by the intersection of two roof slopes, with the highest point or peak of the gable called the “ridge”.

Gateway

A gateway is a feature such as trees, lighting, public art, or a specifically designed building that marks the entrance to a distinct area.

Gentle density

Gentle density is an urban design concept that focuses on increasing the density of neighbourhoods in a gradual and incremental manner, while preserving the character, scale and quality of the built environment.

Green Belt

Green Belt refers to land designated around certain towns and cities to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open. Development can only take place if certain exceptions apply or it has been demonstrated ‘very special circumstances’ exist.

Green infrastructure (networks)

Green infrastructure has traditionally been perceived as a combination of spatial or linear environmental assets including open green space, amenity space, landscape planting, urban parks and gardens, commons and village greens. Natural and semi-natural wildlife habitat such as woodland and heath, country parks, Registered Parks & Gardens, Scheduled Monuments, Local Nature Reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Local Wildlife Sites, church grounds and cemeteries, allotments, playing fields and sports pitches, public rights of way, the Trans Pennine Trail and other recreational routes.

Green roof

A green roof is a building roof that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproof membrane.

Green space / open space

Green space / open space is publicly accessible land in any ownership which can include country parks, natural areas, sports and recreation grounds, urban parks and amenity open space including cemeteries, mown grass and planted areas and playgrounds for example.

Green wall

A green wall is a wall partially or completely covered with vegetation, which includes a growing medium, such as soil, substrate or hydroponics, and an integrated water delivery system.

Habitable room

A habitable room is a space within a dwelling primarily used for living, sleeping, or dining, excluding areas like bathrooms, toilets, corridors, and utility rooms. However, there is no single legal definition, and the exact meaning can vary depending on the specific planning context, such as calculating residential density or assessing a proposal’s impact on daylight and privacy.

Habitats

Habitats are defined as the natural environments or homes where plants, animals, and other organisms live, providing them with the resources needed for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and air. The UK has a specific classification system for its habitats, including priority habitats, to guide conservation efforts.

Hard landscape

Hard landscape refers to the non-living elements of a landscape design such as paving and surfacing, walls and fences, structures, water features, outdoor furniture, edging and borders, lighting, sculptures and art.

Heritage

Heritage refers to the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes inherited from past generations, maintained in the present, and preserved for the benefit of future generations.

Heritage asset

Heritage assets can consist of buildings, sites, areas or landscapes with heritage significance that should be considered in planning decisions. This includes both designated assets and those identified by the local planning authority (including local listing).

High-density housing (development)

High-density housing refers to residential developments that accommodate a large number of housing units or people within a relatively small area of land. This housing style typically involves multi-storey apartment buildings, maisonettes, or closely spaced townhouses where units share common walls, floors, or ceilings.

Historic environment

The term ‘historic environment’ includes Registered Parks and Gardens, Historic Landscapes, Historic Battle Sites, Conservation Areas, Scheduled Monuments and archaeological sites.

Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation (HAPPI)

The HAPPI principles are based on 10 key design criteria. Many are recognisable from good design generally - good light, ventilation, room to move around and good storage, but they have relevance to the spectrum of older persons’ housing which needs to both offer an attractive alternative to the family home and be able to adapt over time to meet changing needs.

Housing type / typology

Housing type / typology refers to the classification or categorisation of different types of residential buildings or dwellings based on common characteristics such as architectural design, layout, size, form and function.

Identity

Identity encompasses a place’s unique physical features, historical heritage, distinct cultural traditions, shared social practices, and the personal emotional connections residents have to the area. It is shaped by the combination of architecture, landscape, and community stories, and provides a sense of belonging, continuity, and local pride for its residents.

Inclusive (design)

Inclusive describes something that includes a wide range of people, practices, or items, ensuring no one is excluded. Inclusive design ensures that places and experiences are open to all people, regardless of age, disability and background.

Infill development

Infill development is development which takes place on vacant, underused or undeveloped land between existing built areas.

Infiltration

Infiltration is the passage of surface water into the ground.

Interception (storage)

Interception (storage) is the prevention and capture (storage) of runoff from the site for the majority of small (frequent) rainfall events or for the initial depth of rainfall for larger events.

Kneeler

A large, often decorative stone placed at the base of a gable end, where the sloping roof meets the horizontal wall. Kneelers help support the coping and visually anchor the gable.

Landmark

Landmark buildings are defined as those that stand out from their immediate and surrounding context by virtue of their design, size, or other characteristics (i.e. mark a key gateway or vista into the city centre and include distinctive/illuminating features of special interest).

Landscape

Landscape refers to the visible features of an area of land, including natural elements such as terrain, vegetation, bodies of water, and climate, as well as human-made elements such as buildings, roads and infrastructure.

Landscape character assessment

A landscape character assessment tells us what makes a place distinctive. It is a tool for identifying the features that give a locality its ‘sense of place’ and pinpointing what makes it different from its neighbouring areas.

Layout

Layout refers to the spatial arrangement or organisation of various elements within a settlement. This includes the distribution of buildings, land uses, transportation networks, public spaces, infrastructure and amenities.

Legibility

Legibility refers to the clarity, coherence and ease of understanding of the spatial organisation and layout of a place. It involves how well the physical environment communicates information to people, allowing them to navigate, interpret and comprehend their surroundings effectively.

Linear

Linear typically refers to a spatial arrangement or feature that is elongated and extends in a straight or nearly straight line.

Listed building

A listed building is a structure or building that has been officially designated as having special architectural, historical or cultural significance. There are three categories of listing in the UK: Grade I (buildings of exceptional interest), Grade II* (particularly important buildings of more than special interest) and Grade II (buildings of special interest).

Local planning authority

A local planning authority is the public body responsible for managing and making decisions on planning matters within a defined area. In the Wakefield District, this role is performed by Wakefield Council.

M4(2) accessible and adaptable dwellings

M4(2) is a building regulation setting a standard for accessible and adaptable dwellings requiring step-free access, wider doorways, and features to allow for easy adaptation over time for people of all ages and abilities, including for toddlers with buggies, those with reduced mobility, or wheelchair users.

M4(3) wheelchair accessible dwellings

M4(3) is a building regulation setting a standard requirement where a new dwelling must provide reasonable provisions for a wheelchair user to live in the dwelling and have the ability to use any private outdoor space, parking and communal facilities.

Major development

Major development refers to proposals involving 10 or more homes, housing on sites of 0.5 hectares or more, non-residential schemes creating 1,000m² or more of floorspace, or developments on sites of 1 hectare or more.

Massing

Massing refers to the three-dimensional form, volume, and arrangement of building masses or structures within a built environment. It involves the overall shape, size, scale and configuration of buildings, as well as their relationship to each other and the surrounding environment.

Material consideration

A material consideration is a factor that local planning authorities may legally take into account when making decisions on planning applications.

Microclimate

A microclimate refers to the climate conditions that prevail within a relatively small or localised area, such as a garden, park, street or building courtyard.

Mixed use

Mixed use refers to the development of land that allows for multiple complementary land uses within a single area, building or development project.

Modal filters

Modal filters are road management tools that allow some transportation modes, such as walking and cycling, while restricting others, typically motor vehicles, by blocking or diverting through-traffic. Common examples include physical barriers like bollards or planters, one-way street systems, bus gates, and sign-only restrictions.

Movement network

A movement network refers to a structured system or arrangement through which people move from one place to another.

Natural surveillance

Natural surveillance is a concept in urban design and crime prevention that involves designing environments in a way that maximises visibility and observation of public spaces by residents, workers or passers-by.

Neighbourhood plan

A neighbourhood plan is a plan prepared by a parish council or neighbourhood forum for a designated area which sets out policies and proposals for the development and use of land in that area.

Overbearing

Overbearing is a term used to describe the impact of a development or building on its surroundings, particularly a neighbouring property, in terms of its scale, massing, and general dominating effect.

Over development

Overdevelopment is an amount of development that is excessive in terms of demands on infrastructure and services, or impact on local amenity and character.

Passive surveillance

Passive surveillance refers to the design of built environments to enhance safety and security through passive means. It involves creating physical environments that encourage visibility, natural monitoring, and informal social control by residents, workers or other users of public spaces.

Patterning

Patterning is the use of repetitive designs, shapes, and forms to create a visual or functional effect, like patterned bricks or tile layouts.

Pegasus crossing (for horse riders)

A Pegasus crossing is a specialised UK signalised crossing designed for horse riders, pedestrians and cyclists.

Permeability

Permeability refers to the ease with which people can move through an area or space. It is a measure of how accessible and navigable a place is, affecting both pedestrian and vehicular movement.

Permeable paving / surfacing

Permeable paving is a hard surface that doesn’t absorb water itself, but because it has small gaps or spaces in its pattern, rainwater can drain down through those gaps into the layer underneath, like concrete block paving.

Photovoltaics

Photovoltaics convert sunlight directly into electricity and not for heat. Solar panels can convert for either electricity or heat.

Piers

A pier, in architecture, is an upright support for a structure or superstructure such as an arch or bridge. Sections of structural walls between openings (bays) can function as piers. External or free-standing walls may have piers at the ends or on corners.

Placemaking

Placemaking is an approach to planning, designing and managing public spaces that focuses on creating vibrant, engaging and inclusive environments. It involves transforming spaces into meaningful places that reflect the needs, values and culture of the community.

Plaza

A plaza primarily refers to a public open space or square within a city, though it can also mean a shopping centre or a highway service area, depending on context.

Pocket park

A pocket park is a small open space typically situated on a single plot or irregularly shaped plot of land within a built-up area.

Primary frontage

Primary frontage refers to the main façade or frontage of a building or property that faces the principal street or public space.

Priority habitats and species

Priority habitats and species are those listed as Species and Habitats of Principal Importance on the England Biodiversity List, published by the Secretary of State under section 41 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006.

Projection

A physical feature or element of a building that extends beyond the primary enclosing walls, or a physical projection along the building line.

Public art

Public art is art that is located where the public have access or sight of it. Public art could be art or craft that is designed to celebrate, enliven or enrich a building, space or event.

Public realm

Public realm refers to the spaces between and within buildings that are publicly accessible, including streets, squares, forecourts, parks and open spaces.

Quoin

Quoin is the external corner stones of a building, usually larger or differently finished than the surrounding masonry. Quoins reinforce the structure and add visual emphasis to corners.

Radii / radius

Radii / radius refers to the line segment that extends from the centre of a circle or sphere to any point on its circumference or surface, measuring the distance between the centre and that point.

Rain garden

A rain garden is a type of sustainable drainage system (SuDS). It typically consists of shallow depressions planted with native vegetation that can tolerate both wet and dry conditions.

Rainwater harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting, storing and utilising rainwater that falls on roofs, pavements and other surfaces for various purposes, such as irrigation, landscaping and toilet flushing.

Recumbents

Recumbent means lying down, reclining, or leaning, often in a position of comfort or rest. The term can also describe a type of bicycle, known as a recumbent bike, where the rider sits in a reclined position with their legs out in front.

Renewable and low carbon energy

Renewable and low carbon energy refer to energy derived from natural resources that are replenished continuously or relatively quickly within human timescales. These sources of energy include sunlight, wind, water (hydropower), biomass and geothermal heat.

Retention (trees)

Retention for trees means preserving and keeping existing trees on a site, often during development, as required by planning conditions or local authorities. This practice aims to maintain their amenity value (aesthetic, environmental, and community benefits) and is determined through BS5837 tree surveys which categorise trees based on their quality and life expectancy.

Retrofitting

Retrofitting refers to the process of upgrading or modifying existing structures, systems, or components to improve their performance, efficiency, safety or functionality.

Ridgeline

A ridgeline refers to the horizontal line formed by the intersection of the highest points of a roof where two sloping roof planes meet at their peak.

Rock-faced Stone

Rock-faced stone is stone that has a rough, natural-looking surface, typically achieved by chiselling or pitching. It gives a rugged, textured appearance and is often used for contrast or emphasis.

Scale

Scale refers to the relative size, proportion, and spatial dimensions of elements within the built environment, including buildings, streets, blocks and entire neighbourhoods.

Sense of place

Sense of place refers to the subjective, emotional and often deeply ingrained connection that individuals or communities feel towards a particular location or environment.

Separation distances

Separation distances refer to the minimum required space between new or extended dwellings and existing neighbouring properties to ensure adequate residential amenity, primarily through maintaining privacy and avoiding overshadowing.

Serial vision

In planning and architecture, serial vision refers to the evolving, sequential visual experience of moving through a space, first coined by British architect Gordon Cullen. It is the idea that an urban environment is perceived not all at once, but as a series of "revelations" where new details, contrasts, and perspectives unfold with each step, creating a dynamic and engaging journey for the viewer.

Shared spaces

Shared spaces are streets designed so that vehicles ‘naturally’ give way to pedestrians. Typically the separation between carriageway and footway is reduced and the difference between the zone where vehicles are permitted and the area designated for pedestrians is less physically distinct than in a conventional street.

Soft landscape

Soft landscape refers to the use of natural elements within outdoor spaces to enhance their aesthetic appeal, functionality and environmental quality.

Squared stone

Squared stone is stone that has been cut or dressed into square or rectangular shapes with straight edges. Squared stone allows for tight joints and a more refined finish in masonry.

Staggered building line

A staggered building line is formed by buildings that are staggered at varying distances from the road to create more diverse, interesting streetscapes and public spaces. These are found especially in suburban or lower density areas, to break up monotonous lines and allow for varied building sizes and public-private transitions. This design approach often prioritises a sense of place and character by creating a more informal, “organic” layout that can also accommodate local conditions and desired aesthetic outcomes, such as urban density or a more rural feel.

Stakeholder

A stakeholder is any individual, group, organisation or entity that has a vested interest, concern or influence in a particular outcome. Typical stakeholders in development projects can include government agencies, local authorities, members of the community and the private sector.

Strategic requirements

Strategic requirements refer to the broad goals and priorities that guide long-term development across a region, such as housing needs, transport links, and healthcare provision. These are identified through strategic planning to connect and coordinate activity across multiple sectors and local authorities to achieve a unified vision for a future area.

Street scene / streetscape

Street scene / streetscape refers to the visual appearance, character, and overall design of a street or roadway, including its physical elements, architectural features, landscaping and street furniture.

Street furniture

Street furniture refers to a variety of functional and aesthetic objects installed along streets, pavements, and other public spaces to enhance the comfort, convenience, safety and visual appeal of urban environments. Key examples of street furniture include benches and seating, bins, cycle storage, bus shelters, streetlights, signage, planters and tree guards, public art installations and wayfinding markers.

Street hierarchy

A street hierarchy is a classification system that categorises streets and roadways into distinct types or classes based on their function, design, capacity and importance within the overall transportation network.

Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) add further guidance about the implementation of policies in the development plan. They can be a significant material consideration when making planning decisions.

Surface water runoff

Surface water runoff refers to the movement of rainwater, snowmelt, or other precipitation over the land surface, eventually flowing into streams, rivers, lakes or oceans. It occurs when precipitation exceeds the infiltration capacity of the soil or when the ground is saturated.

Sustainability

Sustainability refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing economic, environmental, and social considerations to ensure that human activities are conducted in a way that preserves natural resources, minimises negative impacts on ecosystems and communities and promotes long-term well-being and resilience.

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS)

Sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) are innovative approaches to managing surface water runoff in built areas in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.

Sustainable transport modes

Sustainable transport modes are efficient, safe and accessible ways to travel with minimal environmental impact, including walking, cycling, ultra-low and zero emission vehicles, car sharing and public transport.

Swale

A swale is a type of sustainable drainage system (SuDS). It is a shallow, vegetated depression or low-lying area designed to manage surface water runoff by temporarily storing, infiltrating or conveying stormwater in a controlled manner.

Tactile paving

Tactile paving consists of a pattern of raised or textured surfaces installed on pedestrian walkways, train platforms, or other public spaces to assist individuals with visual impairments or mobility disabilities in navigating safely and independently.

Tooled stone

Tooled stone is stone that has been worked with tools to create a specific surface texture or pattern, such as parallel lines or a smooth finish. Tooling can be decorative or used to match historic finishes.

Topography

Topography is the arrangement of the natural and man-made physical features of an area.

Transport assessment

A transport assessment is a detailed process that evaluates transport issues linked to a proposed development. It identifies measures to encourage alternatives to car travel, improve accessibility and safety, and manage the expected transport impacts.

Transport statement

A transport statement is a simplified report used when transport issues from a development are limited, and a full transport assessment is unnecessary.

Travel plan

A travel plan is a long-term strategy for an organisation or site setting out how sustainable transport goals will be achieved, monitored and regularly updated.

Tree pit

A tree pit is an excavated area in the ground specifically designed to accommodate the planting and growth of trees in built environments.

Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG)

The Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG) is a collaborative initiative focused on promoting the integration of trees and green infrastructure into urban planning, design and development practices.

uPVC

uPVC stands for unplasticised polyvinyl chloride. It is a type of plastic that is commonly used in the building and construction industry, particularly for window frames, doors and piping.

Urban grain

Urban grain refers to the characteristics that define the pattern, scale and texture of built form within the built environment. It encompasses the arrangement, density and diversity of buildings, streets, blocks and open spaces that collectively shape the physical fabric of built environments.

Vehicles per day (vpd)

Vehicles per day (vpd) is a traffic volume measure of the average number of vehicles using a specific road section in a 24-hour period, indicating how busy that road is. It is a fundamental traffic data point used in various applications, including traffic impact studies for developments, assessing infrastructure investments, and providing data for traffic modelling and planning.

Verge

Verge refers to the edge, border or limit of something. It is commonly used to refer to a strip of land at the side of a road or pavement.

Vertical 'hit and miss' timber fencing

Vertical ‘hit and miss’ timber fencing is a decorative, slatted fence where vertical timber boards are alternately fixed to the front and back of the supporting posts, creating a pattern of gaps that are both stylish and allow wind to pass through. This design provides a semi-solid look that is appealing from both sides of the fence, making it a good option for shared boundaries and windy locations.

View / vista

A view / vista refers to a visual perspective or sightline from a specific vantage point typically encompassing views of natural or built features such as landscapes, landmarks, buildings, public spaces and streetscapes.

Wayfinding

Wayfinding is the process of orientating and navigating through an environment, typically unfamiliar or complex, to reach desired destinations efficiently and effectively.

Wildlife corridor or network

A wildlife corridor or network refers to a connected system of natural habitats that facilitates the movement, dispersal and genetic exchange of wildlife populations within a landscape.

References and Bibliography

Active Design Guidance (2023)

The Active Design Guidance was produced by Sport England to encourage the integration of physical activity opportunities into the planning, design and management of built environments to promote active and healthy lifestyles.

Building for a Healthy Life (2020)

Building for a Healthy Life was produced by Homes England and sets out national design principles and guidance developed to promote the creation of healthy, sustainable and inclusive communities through urban planning and development.

Building with Nature Green Infrastructure Standards Framework (2021)

The Building with Nature Green Infrastructure Standards Framework was produced by Building with Nature and provides nature-based solutions in the planning, design, construction and management of built environments to enhance resilience, sustainability and human well-being.

Bus User Priority Local Transport Note (LTN 1/24) (2024)

The Bus User Priority Local Transport Note was produced by the Department of Transport and provides information on how to identify good practice and new technologies that can be used to support bus user priority in England.

Cycle Infrastructure Design Local Transport Note 1/20 (2020)

The Cycle Infrastructure Design Local Transport Note was produced by the Department of Transport and provides guidance and good practice for the design of cycle infrastructure, in support of the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy.

Dementia-ready Housing Design Criteria for General Needs Housing (2024)

The Dementia-ready Housing Design Criteria sets out 10 dementia ready criteria which can be incorporated into the design of General Needs Housing and other developments to improve the quality of life of people with dementia. This was produced by West Yorkshire Combined Authority in partnership with West Yorkshire Housing Partnership.

Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (2020)

The Design Manual for Roads and Bridges was produced by National Highways and contains information about design standards relating to the design, assessment and operation of motorway and all-purpose trunk roads in the UK.

Design of Pedestrian Crossings Local Transport Note 2/95 (1995)

The Design of Pedestrian Crossings is a Local Transport Note produced by the Department for Transport to recommend practices to be followed when planning, designing and installing at-grade pedestrian crossings.

Green Infrastructure Framework (2023)

The Green Infrastructure Framework is a strategic initiative produced by Natural England aimed at promoting and enhancing green infrastructure across England.

Green Infrastructure Planning and Design Guide (2023)

The Green Infrastructure Planning and Design Guide is part of the Natural England’s Green Infrastructure Framework and aims to provide practical, evidence-based advice on how to plan, design, deliver and manage good quality green infrastructure that helps to create beautiful nature-rich places.

Interim Code of Practice for Sustainable Drainage Systems (2004)

The Interim Code of Practice for Sustainable Drainage Systems was produced by the National SUDS Working Group and provides a strategic approach to the allocation of maintenance for sustainable drainage systems in England and Wales.

Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023

The Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023 is UK legislation aiming to ensure that new development is built beautifully, produces more local infrastructure, is shaped by local people’s democratic wishes, enhances the environment and creates neighbourhoods where people want to live and work.

Manual for Streets (2007)

Manual for Streets was produced by the Department for Transport and provides best practice advice on the design, planning and management of streets and urban spaces. It aims to promote a more people-centred approach to street design that prioritises the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users, while also accommodating the safe and efficient movement of vehicles.

National Design Guide (NDG) (2021)

The National Design Guide (NDG) was produced by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (now the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) and includes a set of design principles and recommendations to inform the planning, design and development of the built environment across England.

National Model Design Code (NMDC) (2021)

The National Model Design Code (NMDC) was produced by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (now the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) and serves as a valuable resource for promoting high-quality design outcomes, fostering consistency and coherence in the built environment and advancing sustainable and inclusive development practices at the national, regional and local levels.

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is produced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and sets out the planning policies and guidelines for England. It provides a framework for local planning authorities to use when preparing their local development plans and making decisions on planning applications.

National Standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) (2025)

The national standards provide information for designers, property developers, local authorities and other interested parties, such as sewerage undertakers and the Environment Agency. They also contain links to additional supporting information relating to sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).

Planning Practice Guidance (PPG)

Planning Practice Guidance has been produced nationally on a range of topics to support the implementation of the National Planning Policy Framework. This includes advice relating to the design of new developments.

Safer Parks: Improving Access for Women and Girls (Safer Parks Consortium, 2023 - 2025)

The Safer Parks guidance shows how changes can be made to park design and management to help women and girls feel safer and more welcome in these spaces, at all times of day and throughout the year.

Streets and Transport in the Urban Environment Guidelines (2014-2019)

The Streets and Transport in the Urban Environment Guidelines were produced by the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and include a range of guidelines relating to buses in urban developments, creating better streets, designing for walking and planning for cycling.

Secured by Design

Secured by Design is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit. The Secured by Design website provides design guides, information in terms of security measures and accredited products and security standards which support safe and secure developments.

Street Improvement Manual (2020)

The Street Improvement Manual was produced by the Urban Design Group and provides local authorities with ideas and assistance in transforming their streets so that they are safe for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages and abilities and support the social and economic life of the community.

The Building Regulations 2010

The Building Regulations 2010 are UK legislation relating to the construction and extension of buildings in the UK. Building regulations approval is separate from planning permission and both may be required.

The Future Homes and Buildings Standards (2026)

The Future Homes and Buildings Standards will ensure that new homes and nondomestic buildings are built with low-carbon heating and high levels of energy efficiency, so that buildings constructed to these standards will not require retrofitting to become zero carbon in use as the electricity grid decarbonises.

Traffic Signs Manual (2022)

The Traffic Signs Manual was produced by the Department for Transport and gives guidance on the use of traffic signs and road markings in the UK prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations.

Using Railings to Make Roads Safer for Pedestrians Local Transport Note (LTN 2/09) (2009)

The Using Railings to Make Roads Safer for Pedestrians (Pedestrian Guardrailing) Local Transport Note was produced by the Department of Transport and provides an assessment procedure for the evaluation of the need for the installation or removal of pedestrian guardrailing, particularly at pedestrian crossings and road junctions.