Settlement Hierarchy for the Forest of Dean - Forest of Dean District ...

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Forest of Dean District Council | Settlement Hierarchy for the Forest of Dean 16 . Relevant Strategic Policies It requires that Local Planning Authorities through their development plans and other agencies should reflect these varying sub-regional issues and take into account, where appropriate, important linkages with adjoining regions. In relation to the northern sub region (which also includes Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Swindon) it advised: The Northern sub-region will continue to be the main focus for growth in the South West; its prosperity should be maintained and enhanced, because of the contribution the area makes to the well-being of both the region and the nation. In developing and implementing sustainable policies, the important relationships in both economic, transport and environmental terms between this sub-region and the adjoining regions of the South East, West Midlands and South Wales should be recognised; Policy SS 2: Regional Development Strategy Policy SS2 sets out the policy of focussing growth on the PUAs and other designated centres, but notes that the level of growth to be accommodated in these centres must be considered in relation to their function and not provide for growth that can be accommodated at the PUAs. It requires that Local Planning Authorities, in their development plans and other agencies and developers in their plans, policies and programmes, should consider the needs of the whole of their area and the best opportunities to promote more sustainable patterns of development, in accordance with the vision, aims and principles of development set out in section 2. None of the PUAs identified, which were to be the focus of new development, lie within the Forest of Dean although significant influence is exerted by the nearby Bristol, Gloucester and Cheltenham. However, it goes on to advise that outside the PUAs and other designated centres for growth towns should be designated to act as local service centres for the wider rural areas of the region, other small towns and villages in rural areas should provide for local needs. However, it also advises that policies should also resist the continuing substantial planned expansion of residential development of small dormitory towns within easy commuting distance of the PUAs that has occurred historically 28
Forest of Dean District Council | Settlement Hierarchy for the Forest of Dean 16 . Relevant Strategic Policies RPG10 was clear that other settlements should be designated as centres for growth in the context of this strategy. The need for such centres and their identification would need to be reviewed by structure plan authorities in each sub-region. It was however the responsibility of development plans to specify the appropriate level of development at market towns, “including those in coastal locations and in key villages”. Policy SS 3: The Sub-Regional Strategy Policy SS3 provided more detailed advice in respect of the planning of development and infrastructure investment in the various sub-regions. In relation to the Northern sub region it advised it should be based on the following objectives: build on the economic strengths of the north of the region and foster economic growth in the area to improve its performance in relation to the EU average; make adequate provision to meet future development requirements at the PUAs, including the identification of major strategic employment sites; seek a more sustainable pattern of development than in the past by strengthening the roles of the PUAs, fostering urban renaissance, curbing unsustainable outward expansion and aiming for greater self-containment in towns within commuting distance of the PUAs; encourage appropriate housing, employment, retail and social facilities in sustainable locations to reduce social exclusion and rural need; develop and improve sustainable urban and inter-urban transport networks; give priority to measures for economic and social restructuring in parts of Bristol and the Forest of Dean and improve transport and economic linkages between the economically successful and less successful parts of the sub-region; conserve and enhance important environmental assets. Policy SS 6: Other Designated Centres for Growth This policy relates to the future development in the region outside the PUAs and advised that this should generally avoid significant growth in the larger towns within easy commuting distance of PUAs and especially housing development proceeding out of step with employment. In this respect it advised that Development Plans 29
Page 3 and 4: Forest of Dean District Council | S
Page 29: Forest of Dean District Council | S

Settlement Hierarchy for the Forest of Dean - Forest of Dean District ...

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?