Use this guide to help people understand planning terms on your website.
Contents
About the guide
This guide helps you to:
- write in plain language
- explain planning terms clearly
- make content easier to understand
- reduce confusion and unnecessary contact
- follow GOV.WALES style and accessibility rules
Why plain language matters
- Legal and planning terms can be hard to understand
- Unclear language can cause confusion
- People need to know what to do and when
Plain language helps people take the right steps at the right time. It is easier to read and translate.
Types of planning terms
Terms to avoid
Use plain language instead. These terms confuse users.
Terms to use, but explain
Some terms are needed by law, policy, or common use. Use them but explain clearly the first time.
Replace these terms with plain language
| English | Welsh |
|---|---|
Advertisement consentUse: Permission to put up signs and adverts Approval needed to display signs, posters, or adverts in public. | Caniatâd hysbysebDefnyddiwch: Caniatâd i osod arwyddion a hysbysebion Mae angen cymeradwyaeth i arddangos arwyddion, posteri neu hysbysebion yn gyhoeddus. |
AgentUse: Someone who applies for you. A professional who submits a planning application on your behalf. | AsiantDefnyddiwch: Rhywun sy'n gwneud cais ar eich rhan. Gweithiwr proffesiynol sy'n cyflwyno cais cynllunio ar eich rhan. |
Ancillary useUse: Something that supports the main purpose A smaller or secondary use that does not affect the main purpose of a building, for example, a home office. | Defnydd ategolDefnyddiwch: Rhywbeth sy'n cefnogi'r prif bwrpas Defnydd llai neu eilaidd nad yw'n effeithio ar brif bwrpas adeilad, er enghraifft, swyddfa gartref. |
ApplicantUse: The person applying The person who submits an application for planning permission. | YmgeisyddDefnyddiwch: Y person sy'n gwneud cais Y person sy'n cyflwyno cais am ganiatâd cynllunio. |
Change of useUse: Use a building for something else When you want to use a building in a different way, like turning a shop into a café. | Newid defnyddDefnyddiwch: Defnyddio adeilad ar gyfer rhywbeth arall Pan fyddwch am ddefnyddio adeilad mewn ffordd wahanol, fel troi siop yn gaffi. |
CurtilageUse: Land around a building The land or area around a building that is used with it, such as a garden or driveway. This may not include all the land you own. | CwrtilDefnyddiwch: Tir o amgylch adeilad Y tir neu'r ardal o amgylch adeilad sy'n cael ei ddefnyddio fel gardd neu dreif. Efallai na fydd hyn yn cynnwys yr holl dir rydych chi'n berchen arno. |
ElevationUse: Side view of a building A drawing showing what a building looks like from the front, back or sides. | EstyniadDefnyddiwch: Golygfa ochr adeilad Lluniad sy'n dangos sut olwg oedd ar adeilad o'r blaen, y cefn neu'r ochrau. |
Householder planning permissionUse: Planning involving extensions or alterations to a house The type of planning permission needed to change or extend a house. | Caniatâd cynllunio deiliad tŷDefnyddiwch: Cynllunio sy'n cynnwys estyniadau neu addasiadau i dŷ Y math o ganiatâd cynllunio sydd ei angen i newid neu roi estyniad ar dŷ. |
Householder applicationUse: Application to change a home A simpler planning application for extensions or alterations to a house. | Cais deiliad tŷDefnyddiwch: Cais i newid cartref Cais cynllunio symlach ar gyfer estyniadau neu addasiadau i dŷ. |
Land use allocationUse: What land can be used for A decision in the Local Development Plan about how certain land can be used, for example, for homes, shops, or parks. | Dyraniad defnydd tirDefnyddiwch: Pa dir y gellir ei ddefnyddio Penderfyniad yn y Cynllun Datblygu Lleol ynghylch sut y gellir defnyddio tir penodol, er enghraifft, ar gyfer cartrefi, siopau, neu barciau. |
Location descriptionUse: Where the site is A written explanation of where the land or building is. | Disgrifiad lleoliadDefnyddiwch: Lle mae'r safle Esboniad ysgrifenedig o ble mae'r tir neu'r adeilad. |
Neighbour notificationUse: Letting neighbours know about a planning application We let people who live nearby know about building plans that might affect them. This gives them a chance to provide their comments. | Hysbysu cymydogionDefnyddiwch: Rhoi gwybod i gymdogion am gais cynllunio Rydym yn rhoi gwybod i bobl sy'n byw gerllaw am gynlluniau adeiladu a allai effeithio arnynt. Mae hyn yn rhoi cyfle iddynt ddarparu eu sylwadau. |
Planning appealUse: Ask for the decision on your application to be looked at again If your planning application is refused or has conditions you disagree with, you can appeal. Neighbours and the public cannot appeal. | Apêl cynllunioDefnyddiwch: Gofynnwch am edrych ar benderfyniad eich cais eto Os gwrthodir eich cais cynllunio neu os oes ganddo amodau rydych yn anghytuno â nhw, gallwch apelio. Ni all cymdogion a'r cyhoedd apelio. |
Planning portalUse: Apply online, or search for planning information A commercial website where you can apply for planning permission, track your application, and get planning advice. You may have to pay a fee for this service. | Porth cynllunioDefnyddiwch: Gwnewch gais ar-lein, neu chwiliwch am wybodaeth gynllunio Gwefan fasnachol lle gallwch wneud cais am ganiatâd cynllunio, olrhain eich cais, a chael cyngor cynllunio. Efallai y bydd yn rhaid i chi dalu ffi am y gwasanaeth hwn. |
Pre-application (statutory/enhanced/ discretionary/bespoke)Use: Before you apply You can get advice before submitting an application. | Cyn-ymgeisio (statudol/wedi'i wella/ yn ddewisol/pwrpasol)Defnyddiwch: Cyn i chi wneud cais Gallwch gael cyngor cyn cyflwyno cais. |
Prior approvalUse: Get agreement from your local planning authority before you start For some building work, you must get the council’s approval for certain details before you start, even if you don’t need full planning permission. | Cymeradwyaeth ymlaen llawDefnyddiwch: Sicrhewch gytundeb gan eich awdurdod cynllunio lleol cyn i chi ddechrau Ar gyfer rhywfaint o waith adeiladu, rhaid i chi gael cymeradwyaeth y cyngor ar gyfer rhai manylion cyn i chi ddechrau, hyd yn oed os nad oes angen caniatâd cynllunio llawn arnoch. |
RegistrationUse: Add your application to the system This makes it available for the public to view and comment on. | CofrestruDefnyddiwch: Ychwanegwch eich cais at y system Mae hyn yn rhoi mynediad i'r cyhoedd weld a rhoi sylwadau arno. |
Statutory consulteeUse: Organisation we must consult Some planning applications need expert advice. A statutory consultee is an organisation we must ask, like Natural Resources Wales or the fire service. | Ymgynghorydd statudolDefnyddiwch: Sefydliad y mae'n rhaid inni ymgynghori gyda Mae angen cyngor arbenigol ar rai ceisiadau cynllunio. Mae ymgynghorai statudol yn sefydliad y mae'n rhaid i ni ymgynhgori gyda, fel Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru neu'r gwasanaeth tân. |
ValidationUse: Check your application is complete When we check your planning application includes all the right documents and information. | DilysuDefnyddiwch: Gwiriwch fod eich cais wedi'i gwblhau Pan fyddwn yn gwirio eich cais cynllunio sy’n cynnwys yr holl ddogfennau a'r wybodaeth gywir. |
Explain these terms in plain language
| English | Welsh |
|---|---|
Affordable housingHousing for people who cannot afford to rent or buy on the open market. These homes stay affordable for future residents. | Tai fforddiadwyTai i bobl na allant fforddio rhentu neu brynu ar y farchnad agored. Mae'r cartrefi hyn yn aros yn fforddiadwy i drigolion yn y dyfodol. |
AmenityMaking sure new developments do not cause problems for people living nearby. This includes things like noise, privacy, daylight, and how the area looks. | AmwynderSicrhau nad yw datblygiadau newydd yn achosi problemau i bobl sy'n byw gerllaw. Mae hyn yn cynnwys pethau fel sŵn, preifatrwydd, golau dydd, a sut mae'r ardal yn edrych. |
Article 4 directionExtra planning rules that remove permitted development rights in a specific area. | Cyfarwyddyd Erthygl 4Rheolau cynllunio ychwanegol sy'n dileu hawliau datblygu a ganiateir mewn ardal benodol. |
Call-inA process where the local planning authority or the public can ask the Welsh Government to take over (call-in) a planning application if they have concerns about it. | Ceisiadau cynllunio sy’n cael eu galw mewnProses lle gall yr awdurdod cynllunio lleol neu'r cyhoedd ofyn i Lywodraeth Cymru gymryd drosodd (galw mewn) cais cynllunio os oes ganddynt bryderon yn ei gylch. |
Called inThe Welsh Government has taken over the decision of a planning application from the local planning authority. | Galwyd i mewnMae Llywodraeth Cymru wedi cymryd drosodd penderfyniad cais cynllunio gan yr awdurdod cynllunio lleol. |
Certificate of lawfulnessCertificate (proof) from the local planning authority confirming that what you are doing, or plan to do, is legal in planning terms, or not. | Tystysgrif cyfreithloniTystysgrif gan yr awdurdod cynllunio lleol yn cadarnhau bod yr hyn yr ydych yn ei wneud, neu'n bwriadu ei wneud, yn gyfreithiol mewn termau cynllunio, neu ddim. |
Compulsory Purchase OrderLegal power to buy land or buildings without the owner agreeing. For example, to build a new road or school. | Gorchymyn Prynu GorfodolPŵer cyfreithiol i brynu tir neu adeiladau heb i'r perchennog gytuno. Er enghraifft, i adeiladu ffordd neu ysgol newydd. |
Conservation areaA place where buildings and trees are protected for their special character. | Ardal gadwraethMan lle mae adeiladau a choed yn cael eu diogelu am eu cymeriad arbennig. |
Decision noticeAn official document stating if your application was approved or refused. | Hysbysiad penderfyniadDogfen ffurfiol yn eich hysbysu os cafodd eich cais ei gymeradwyo neu ei wrthod. |
Design and access statement (DAS)A document written by a professional, such as an architect or planning consultant, explaining your design and how people will use the site. | Datganiad dylunio a mynediad (DAS)Dogfen a ysgrifennwyd gan weithiwr proffesiynol, fel pensaer neu ymgynghorydd cynllunio, yn esbonio eich dyluniad a sut y bydd pobl yn defnyddio'r safle. |
Design guideA guide showing how new buildings should look in the local area. | Canllaw dylunioCanllaw sy'n dangos sut y dylai adeiladau newydd edrych yn yr ardal leol. |
DevelopmentAnything that needs planning permission, like building or changing use. | DatblyguUnrhyw beth sydd angen caniatâd cynllunio, fel adeiladu neu newid defnydd. |
Development planA set of documents that guides what can and cannot be built in an area. | Cynllun datblyguSet o ddogfennau sy'n arwain yr hyn y gellir ac na ellir ei adeiladu mewn ardal. |
Enforcement noticeThis notifies someone to remove or change unacceptable development (work) that breaks planning rules. | Rhybudd gorfodaethMae hyn yn datgan wrth rywun i gael gwared neu newid datblygiad anerbynniol sy'n torri rheolau cynllunio. |
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)A study of how a development may affect the environment. | Asesiad o'r Effaith Amgylcheddol (AEA)Astudiaeth o sut y gall datblygiad effeithio ar yr amgylchedd. |
Environmental statementA report that explains how a new development could affect things like wildlife and local people.
| Datganiad amgylcheddolAdroddiad sy'n egluro sut y gallai datblygiad newydd effeithio ar bethau fel bywyd gwyllt a phobl leol. |
Full planning applicationWhen all details of a building project are submitted for consideration. | Cais cynllunio llawnPan gyflwynir holl fanylion prosiect adeiladu i'w hystyried. |
Heritage statementA report on how a development affects a listed building or historic area. | Datganiad treftadaethAdroddiad ar sut mae datblygiad yn effeithio ar adeilad rhestredig neu ardal hanesyddol. |
Lawful development certificateCertificate (proof) from the local planning authority that what you are doing, or plan to do, is legal. | Tystysgrif datblygu cyfreithlonTystysgrif gan yr awdurdod cynllunio lleol bod yr hyn yr ydych yn ei wneud, neu'n bwriadu ei wneud, yn gyfreithiol. |
Listed buildingA protected building of special architectural or historic interest. | Adeilad rhestredigAdeilad gwarchodedig o ddiddordeb pensaernïol neu hanesyddol arbennig. |
Local Development PlanA document that sets out planning policies about what can be built and where. | Cynllun Datblygu LleolDogfen sy’n gosod allan polisiau cynllunio am beth ellir ei ddatblygu ac yn lle. |
Material considerations (also called relevant considerations)Factors we must consider when deciding on a planning application, like noise, traffic, or loss of privacy. Things like property value or loss of view are not considered. | Ystyriaethau materol (sy’n cael ei adnabod fel ystyriaethau perthnasol)Ffactorau y mae'n rhaid i ni eu hystyried wrth benderfynu ar gais cynllunio, fel sŵn, traffig, neu golli preifatrwydd. Nid yw pethau fel gwerth eiddo neu golli golygfa yn cael eu hystyried. |
Outline planning permissionWhen we agree to your idea in principle. You must then send a reserved matters application with detailed plans before you can start building. | Amlinellu caniatâd cynllunioPan fyddwn yn cytuno â'ch syniad mewn egwyddor. Yna mae’n rhaid i chi anfon cais materion neilltuedig gyda chynlluniau manwl cyn y gallwch ddechrau adeiladu.
|
Permitted developmentsDevelopment that can be undertaken without the need of applying for planning permission providing you follow relevant criteria. | Datblygiadau caniataolDatblygiad gallwch ei wneud heb orfod gwneud cais am ganiatâd cynllunio cyhyd a’ch bod yn dilyn y meini prawf perthnasol. |
Planning obligation: Section 106A legal agreement between the local planning authority and a developer or landowner. It helps manage the impact of a new development, for example by improving roads or funding local services. | Rhwymedigaeth cynllunio: Adran 106Cytundeb cyfreithiol rhwng yr awdurdod cynllunio lleol a datblygwr neu dirfeddiannydd. Mae'n helpu i reoli effaith datblygiad newydd, er enghraifft drwy wella ffyrdd neu ariannu gwasanaethau lleol. |
Planning obligation: Community Infrastructure LevyThe Community Infrastructure Levy is a charge on new developments to help pay for local roads, schools or health. | Rhwymedigaeth gynllunio: Ardoll Seilwaith CymunedolMae'r Ardoll Seilwaith Cymunedol yn codi tâl ar ddatblygiadau newydd i helpu i dalu am ffyrdd lleol, ysgolion neu iechyd. |
Planning Performance AgreementAn agreement between you and the local planning authority that sets out how and when your planning application will be handled. There is a charge for this. | Cytundeb Perfformiad CynllunioCytundeb rhyngoch chi a'r awdurdod cynllunio lleol sy'n nodi sut a phryd y caiff eich cais cynllunio ei drin. Codir tâl am hyn. |
Material considerations (also called relevant considerations)Factors we must consider when deciding on a planning application, like noise, traffic, or loss of privacy. Things like property value or loss of view are not considered. | Ystyriaethau materol (sy’n cael ei adnabod fel ystyriaethau perthnasol)Ffactorau y mae'n rhaid i ni eu hystyried wrth benderfynu ar gais cynllunio, fel sŵn, traffig, neu golli preifatrwydd. Nid yw pethau fel gwerth eiddo neu golli golygfa yn cael eu hystyried. |
Reserved mattersThe next step after outline planning permission. Here, you give us the final details of your plans, like where things go and how they look. | Materion neilltuedigY cam nesaf ar ôl caniatâd cynllunio amlinellol. Yma, rydych chi'n rhoi manylion terfynol eich cynlluniau i ni, fel ble mae pethau'n cael eu gosod a sut maen nhw'n edrych. |
Site location planA map showing the land subject to an application for development. | Cynllun lleoliad safleCynllun yn dangos y tir sydd yn destun cais i ddatblygu. |
Site noticeA notice on or near the land to tell the public about a planning proposal. | Hysbysiad safleRhybudd ar neu cyfagos a’r tir i ddweud wrth y cyhoedd am gynnig cynllunio. |
Supplementary Planning GuidanceExtra advice to help apply the Local Development Plan. | Canllawiau Cynllunio AtodolCyngor ychwanegol i helpu i gymhwyso'r Cynllun Datblygu Lleol. |
Tree Preservation OrderAn order made by the Council in respect to trees or woodlands which prohibits work to protected trees without the Council’s prior consent. | Gorchymyn Cadw CoedGorchymyn gan y Cyngor mewn perthynas a coed neu coedtiroedd sydd yn atal gwneud gwaith i goed wedi’u diogelu, heb ganiatád blaenorol y Cyngor. |
Use classThe class within which the use of a building or land falls. | Dosbarth defnyddY dosbarth mae’r defnydd o adeilad neu dir yn disgyn o fewn. |
This guide supports the Welsh Government digital planning project, delivered in partnership with CDPS. The project aims to improve how planning services work.
CDPS will work with local planning authorities and other planning organisations to update the glossary.
To find out more, email planningservices@digitalpublicservices.gov.wales
