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To facilitate the re-use for housing
of previously developed sites, within towns and villages, in
preference to greenfield sites.
Built-up areas contain land which was
once in full use, but is now underused or vacant. Getting this land
back into beneficial use is important for urban regeneration. It can
relieve the pressures for development in the open countryside,
particularly around the settlements. The re-use of such sites, in
preference to greenfield sites, helps to prevent the sprawl of towns
and villages and so helps to protect their setting. It limits the
take up of agricultural land and often prevents costly extensions to
infrastructure provision.
Planning permission for housing development on redundant or derelict
sites, and the development of infill or opportunity sites in
general, will be dependent on a satisfactory residential environment
being provided and subject to no overriding need for other
uses on that land. The cumulative effect of infill development must
not damage the character and amenity of existing areas.
New housing will not normally be permitted near activities which
would have a significant detrimental effect on the local residential
environment, or on the health of residents because of noise, dust,
fumes or smell. There is a strong presumption against permitting
residential development on a site which is, or is expected to
become, subject to excessive noise.
There will be cases where it is acceptable to redevelop existing
industrial sites for housing due to the disadvantages of the sites
for modern businesses. Whether industrial land is suitable for
housing development will depend on a number of factors and each case
will be treated on its merits. The various ecological and
environmental factors inhibiting development and the potential loss
of industrial land will be weighed against the positive gain of
replacing unsightly industrial buildings and uses. |
