Glossary

Residential amenity The benefit enjoyed from physical external space which is part of the private home Root Protection Area (RPA) A layout design tool indicating the minimum area around a tree deemed to contain sufficient roots and rooting volume to maintain the tree's viability, and where the protection of the roots and soil structure is treated as a priority (BS 5837:2012, 3.7) Solids and voids Solids refers to the proportion of a building façade that comprises a blank or solid wall and voids refers to openings (i.e. windows and doors). The solid to void relationship is determined by the ratio between then. Spatial Structure A term frequently used to denote the arrangement of land use in urban areas. Strategic Planning Policy Statement (SPPS) A statement of the Department for Infrastructure's policy on important matters that should be addressed across Northern Ireland. Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Systems designed to manage storm water locally (as close its sources as possible), to mimic natural drainage and encourage its infiltration, attenuation and passive treatment. Terracing effect A term used to describe the closing of gaps between houses by extending the houses sideways. Tree Preservation Order (TPO) A statutory protection afforded to trees under the Planning Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. Velux window A terms for roof windows and used to describe outward opening windows installed in the same orientation and 'in plane' with the surrounding roof.