What is a Development Boundary?

A development boundary is a line that is drawn on a plan around a village, which reflects its built form.

The development boundary is used as a policy tool reflecting the area where a set of plan policies are to be applied.

In general, there is a presumption in favour of development within the boundary, subject to the usual planning regulations.

Development outside of the boundary would not normally be permitted. Exceptions may be made for development comprising 100% affordable housing to meet local need.

Following an assessment of infrastructure in the rural areas of the Parish, the Steering Group have concluded that the only areas which could support new housing would be Four Lanes and West Tolgus. A development boundary would give those areas some control over how much housing and where it could take place. You can view the process and justification for this in the Documents section.

Following a consultation with the residents of West Tolgus and Four Lanes, both have responded overwhelmingly in favour of a development boundary.

What is a Development Boundary? 

Development Boundary Process and Justification 

Criteria

The boundary:

• Should trace the edge of built up area excluding roads, paths, railways and other lines of communications
• Should follow physical features such as buildings, field boundaries and edges of gardens (but can exclude large gardens)
• Should include small areas of land and/or buildings that offer the opportunity for improvements to the village entrance or to ensure that infrastructure improvements can take place
• Should include sites that have received recent planning permission within the boundary area
• Should include any amenity areas that form the character of the village as these could then be identified and protected by policies
• Should show proportional growth within the Neighbourhood Plan period (until 2030)