Characteristics of Dispersed Settlements

• association with a traditional focal point, where there is convincing evidence of local community activity; with the existence of social and recreational facilities, such as a church, hall, school, community centre or sports club; • other facilities or services, such as a shop, public house or sewage treatment works; • a strong community identity. This could manifest itself through a local community association, church organisation or sports club; and • a locally significant number of dwellings that have been built over time. Although these places are not nucleated settlements, they will have to be more than just open countryside. A build-up or cluster of recently built houses will normally not be considered as fulfilling this criterion.