Defining Settlement Boundaries Settlement boundaries are an understood
Defining Settlement Boundaries ‘Settlement boundaries are an understood and accepted planning tool for guiding and controlling developments. ’ (Herefordshire Council NP Guidance Note 20) November 2019
What is a Settlement Boundary? • Core Strategy indicates that where appropriate Neighbourhood Development Plans should define the extent of these settlements with a settlement boundary or ‘equivalent tool. ’ • An area where a set of plan policies are to be applied. • Outside of the boundary land will be considered open countryside where development is more strictly controlled.
What is a Settlement Boundary? ‘A line that is drawn on a plan around a village, which reflects its built form’ (Stoke Prior)
What is a Settlement Boundary? There is no guarantee of planning permission on any land within the boundary - other planning policies may apply, e. g. land may be subject to flooding. (Walford – North Herefordshire)
What is a Settlement Boundary – Define and retain settlement character (Shobdon)
What is a Settlement Boundary? Does not have to cover the full extent of the village nor be limited to its built form. (Eardisley)
What is a Settlement Boundary? Can have a number of boundaries if appropriate (Lingen)
Defining the Boundary Include allocated sites that will contribute towards your minimum housing requirements. (Richards Castle)
Defining the Boundary Are there any small sites which cannot be identified as allocations? (Bircher)
Defining the Boundary Is a presumption in favour of development within the settlement boundary. Other designations to protect important areas. (Yarpole)
Defining the Boundary Important amenity areas could be included in the settlement boundary and protected by policy. (Leintwardine)
Defining the Boundary Consider planning permissions, recent refusals, planning appeal decisions and previous Local Plan Inspector’s comments concerning areas on the edge of the village. (Orleton)
Defining the Boundary Can include land and/or buildings which might improve the entrance of the village, ensure infrastructure improvements or a general enhancement to the village (Weston under Penyard)
‘Equivalent Tools’ Substantially Built Up Frontages (Whitney on Wye) Village Stop-Lines
‘Equivalent Tools’ Policy Only approach (Brampton Bryan) Allocations only
Herefordshire UDP policy for small settlements H 6 Housing in smaller settlements In the following settlements, proposals for residential development on plots arising from the infilling of small gaps between existing dwellings within the settlement will be permitted, where: 1. the dwelling size is limited to a habitable living space of 90 sq m (3 bedroom house) or 100 sq m (4 bedroom house); 2. the plot size is limited to a maximum area of 350 sq m; and 3. the infill gap is no more than 30 metres frontage. In considering such planning applications priority will be given to applications on previously developed land. Developments on an appropriate infill plot larger than 30 metres frontage will be permitted for affordable housing where a proven local need has been successfully demonstrated.
Other Boundary Issues From Herefordshire Council Guidance Note 20 • Avoid ‘cramming’. • Protect village setting.
Defining the Boundary • Protect the countryside from unnecessary ribbon and other development. • Boundaries are best where they follow physical features, such as - buildings, field boundaries or curtilages. • Where necessary to conserve the character, they can exclude large gardens, orchards and other areas - in these instances boundaries may not relate fully to those physical features.
Defining the Boundary The existence or not of a previous settlement boundary is a good starting point
Defining the Boundary Provide for an appropriate level of proportional growth - there will be a requirement to demonstrate that there is enough available capacity within the boundary(ies) for this; or Proof that this is not possible.
Questions?
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