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We need your views on the settlement boundaries — 2 Comments

  1. The safest option is to retain the settlement boundaries as they are. Then any applications for development outside the boundaries can be considered on their merits as exceptions to policy, which would be particularly appropriate for genuinely affordable housing. There would also be some opportunities for re-using existing buildings or small ‘brown’ sites in the countryside, again as exceptions according to merit.

  2. Bingo! Exactly what we think. There is some ‘confusion’ as to where the settlement boundary runs: hence the consultation.

    The settlement boundary plans of 2005 and 2011 may (or may not) have lapsed. Quite how a settlement boundary can have ‘lapsed’ rather escapes me but better to be safe than sorry.

    Re-using existing brown field sites is potentially contentious and needs to be handled carefully. Think ‘shack to mansion’ (of which there have been a few examples) and you will see what I mean. Sadly, there will never be enforceable as ‘Policy 9 Rural exceptions sites’ which would mean they would have to be affordable housing-led.