Footprint

[X111]

Does anyone know, please. of a definition of the word 'footprint' as used in the Town & Country Planning Acts (not the ordinary dictionary meaning)?

[DuzyEverwork]

I assume the meaning of the word to be the same in the UK, but here is Spain the 'footprint' is the actual area a building sits on, thus making a 'footprint' on the ground.

[Quizmonster]

The term is also often with regard to office equipment, such as a computer monitor. Its small 'footprint' might be given as one of its selling-points...ie the smallness of the desk-space it occupies. It's the same 'area' sense as Trudi suggests above.

[X111]

Thank you. The problem I am wrestling with is if the footprint of an old house for renovation includes an integral garage and is therefore one single footprint, under the permitted renovation extensions of the Planning Acts is a new separate garage block allowed thereby creating two footprints or must a new garage be integral thereby retaining a single footprint?

[Maudlettice]

The legal definition of a building footprint is "the outline of a building at all points where it meets the ground". An "original house" means a house as it stood on 1 July 1948 or as it was first built if built after, and the size of permitted extensions are all judged from this. An integral garage within an existing footprint does not limit the use of that space to a garage - it can be re-allocated into general use. A detached new garge would be a completely separate matter, and permission would be judged against whether it would make a material change to the use of the land.

[X111]

I am very grateful, Maude, you have set me off on the right track. Thank you very much.