Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Memorandum of understanding definition

What does Memorandum of understanding mean? A memorandum of understanding (MOU) records, in outline, what the parties say they have agreed—commonly used in mediation and negotiations—to capture proposed settlement terms or a framework for a later binding agreement or court order. The expression is descriptive (not defined in legislation) and is used across multiple legal contexts. Enforceability depends on general contract principles—intention to create legal relations, certainty and consideration. Unless clearly stated to be binding, an MOU is typically marked “without prejudice” and “subject to contract” and is not itself enforceable, save for standalone clauses such as confidentiality or costs. Usage is broadly consistent across...

Planning Performance Agreements in England and Wales: Purpose, Benefits, Content, Resourcing and Effect on Statutory Time Limits

Published by a LexisNexis Planning expert

Practice notes

What is a planning performance agreement? (PPA)

Planning performance agreements are voluntary memoranda of understanding or agreements between a planning applicant, the local planning authority (LPA) and, in some instances, other interested parties such as key statutory consultees. A PPA records agreed commitments on timescales, tasks and the resources to be applied to a particular planning submission. Functioning as a project management framework, it sets out the pathway for reaching a determination on the application.

PPAs are commonly put in place before an application is lodged and may span every stage of the process, including pre-application. Although the emphasis is usually on the pre-application and application phases, a PPA can also extend into the post-application period, for example to govern how reserved matters or approvals of details will be dealt with. They might be documented as a simple memorandum of understanding or an exchange of letters, or entered into under section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972 (LGA 1972) (see Q&A: What is a section 111 agreement?).

Benefits of entering into a PPA

Encourage early collaboration and transparency between the parties to the agreement
Improve efficiency

...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

Popular documents

Using the Judicial College Guidelines to assess general damages in personal injury claims

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Tomlin orders in England and Wales: CPR guidance on drafting, confidentiality, approval, variation, enforcement, limitation, CCA issues, court-specific requirements, sample wording and precedents

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Precedent: Deed of Surrender of Lease with Optional Premium, Settlement and Release, Landlord, Mortgagee and Guarantor Consents, Reimbursement and HM Land Registry Provisions (England and Wales)

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Precedent Statutory Declaration: Standard Wording under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...