We do not consider that settlement boundaries should be imposed as they have historically become out of date during the plan period and provided an unnecessary restraint on development and usually exclude many sites which would be suitable for development during the plan period. They are only a real benefit to the small rural villages where development can be contained to the appropriate infill plots.

There does not appear to be a map included with the consultation setting out the proposed boundaries so we are unable to comment on the specific boundaries however in order to maximise flexibility in the approach to future land supply it would be sensible not to apply settlement boundaries on the most sustainable locations – Minor Rural Centre and above - in order to ensure that future land supply can be considered in the context of the overall suitability of the site when assessed against the wider policies of the plan and not based on whether it is inside a settlement boundary or not.