The experiences of different European countries on urban policy over the past decade have generated a set of common principles that underpin successful policies. EU Ministers endorsed this Urban Acquis at the Rotterdam Informal (2004) as providing the basis for developing a more coherent approach to urban policy. Five areas:

• Development priorities
• Mechanisms for successful urban policy
• Engaging stakeholders
• Achieving the right spatial balance
• Encouraging good practice, policy learning and capacity  

Originally established under the 1980 Planning and Land Act, modern UDCs are being utilised in the housing growth areas to shape regeneration activity. They aim to bring land and buildings into effective use; encourage development of existing and new industry and commerce; create an attractive environment; and ensure that housing and social facilities are available to encourage people to live and work in an area.Further informationLondon Thames Gateway Development Corporation is an example of an UDC.»  English Partnerships (now the Homes and Communities Agency)

This is the total tree population within an area, influenced and used by an urban population. This includes woodlands, street trees, landscape trees or individual trees and groups of trees in parks and gardens.Further informationThe Department for Communities and Local Government report, Trees in Towns II (pdf), was published in February 2008 and assesses the effectiveness of tree management in urban areas in England. It provides information on the quality and quantity of trees; local authority resources and practices in managing urban trees; and the recruitment and skills of local authority tree managers.» Department for Communities and Local Government

A metropolitan area which is significantly warmer than its surroundings. The temperature difference usually is larger at night than during the day and larger in winter than in summer, and is most apparent when winds are weak. The main cause of the urban heat island is modification of the land surface by urban development; waste heat generated by energy usage is a secondary contributor.Further information Urban heat islands

Addresses employment, population shifts, investment and urban decline and renewal in urban areas.

These are not-for-profit organisations which have been set up by local authorities, Regional Development Agencies and English Partnerships as well as other partners to promote development in less prosperous areas of cities. Further information There are 21 URCs established in England, one in Wales and one in Northern Ireland. An example of an URC is New East Manchester.» The Urban Regeneration Companies

Vision for widespread urban regeneration based on design excellence, community involvement and social well-being, with a viable economic framework.Further informationDelivering the urban renaissance 

Part of an urban area, which has an attractive mix of homes, shops, restaurants and employers, and which attracts people to live and work there.An example of this is Ancoats in Manchester.