The process leading to the production of an ES. EIA has to be undertaken where a planning application for projects which will have significant environmental effects. This would include major developments requiring extensive infrastructure or those likely to generate large amounts of traffic. EIA's are becoming increasingly important. The extent of an EIA can be determined by a scoping direction.

Forum in which proposals for a new or replacement structure plans are debated by invited representatives in front of an appointed, independent panel of experts. The panel produces a report to be considered by the county council before it adopts the structure plan.

Local planning authorities have extensive powers to enforce planning controls. Failure to comply with enforcement action can lead to criminal sanctions. See planning contravention notice, enforcement notice, stop notice, breach of condition notice and injunction.

A notice issued by a local planning authority where it appears that there has been a breach of planning control. For example, the carrying out of unauthorised development. There is a right of appeal to the First Secretary of State. Failure to comply after the notice has been confirmed will almost inevitably lead to criminal sanctions.

A local planning authority may not take enforcement action for years after the date on which works were substantially completed, or in the case of change of use, ten years beginning on the date of the breach (except in the case of change of use to a single dwellinghouse - where the time limit is four years). Once these time limits have expired, an application for a CLEUD can be made, to prove conclusively that the works or use are lawful - for example, to satisfy an institutional purchaser.

A public body responsible for the preservation of ancient monuments, historic buildings and conservation areas. It is consulted on all listed building applications and its views carry significant weight. It also has the power to direct refusal of listed building applications in London.

The document submitted with a planning application containing environmental information where an EIA is required.