This policy will define the boundaries of settlements and proposes that outside of settlement boundaries, no development would be permitted unless they meet a specific set of requirements. Gladman recommend that the new Local Plan should take a flexible approach to development and growth within and on the edge of villages. A rigid approach to development beyond settlement boundaries, except for specific circumstances, may act to unnecessarily stifle sustainable growth opportunities. This is at odds with national policy which seeks to significantly boost the supply of housing and applies a presumption in favour of sustainable development.
Gladman recommend that the settlement boundaries policy incorporates a criterion based balancing exercise so that the Plan can protect against unsustainable development whilst being open and flexible to additional development opportunities to come forward to meet identified needs.