Glossary Terms

Modern methods of construction

A fast way of delivering buildings by maximising the efficiency of material and human resources and focuses on off-site construction techniques, such as mass production and factory assembly, as alternatives to traditional building techniques.

Multifunctional network

In landscape and nature, a multifunctional network integrates existing, and incorporates new natural features which support quality of place, biodiversity and water management, and addresses climate change mitigation and resilience.

Passive electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure

These are parking spaces that are easily adaptable to accommodate electric vehicles. Passive provision requires the necessary underlying infrastructure (e.g. capacity in the connection to the local electricity distribution network and electricity distribution board, as well as cabling to parking spaces) to enable simple installation and activation of a charge point at a future date.

Permeability

The degree to which an area has a variety of pleasant, convenient and safe routes through it.

Place making

Recognising the distinctiveness of individual locations in plans, policies and proposals, and responding accordingly.

Private amenity space

Private outdoor space accessible by an individual dwelling unit, in the form of gardens, balconies, roof terraces.

Public open space

Spaces such as public parks, pocket parks, woodlands, civic spaces and other open spaces with established and unrestricted public access. Public open spaces can offer important opportunities for sport and recreation and can act as a visual amenity.  They may be owned and/or managed by either a Local Authority or management company. 

Sense of place

A sense of place is the unique collection of qualities and characteristics that makes one town or development different to another. It lends meaning or attachment to a development or place, transforming it into a home, a neighbourhood, or a community. A sense of place is also what makes our physical surroundings worth caring about.

Setting of a heritage asset

The surroundings in which a heritage asset is experienced. Its extent is not fixed and may change as the asset and its surroundings evolve. Elements of a setting may make a positive or negative contribution to the significance of an asset, may affect the ability to appreciate that significance or may be neutral.

Shared private amenity space

An amenity space, usually a garden area in an apartment scheme, which can be accessed by all residents but not the public.

Permeable paving options