Strategic Planning Context and RDS Adjustments

Strategic planning guidance in the RDS promotes more sustainable forms of development by encouraging compact and more attractive urban forms, and increase housing within urban areas but without 'town cramming' (SPG-HOU 4 & 5). It also promotes a vibrant and self-generating rural community through meeting local housing needs, promoting the use of Local Development Guidelines and by reinforcing community identity (SPG-RNI 1 & SPG-ENV 4). Following the outcome of the first 'five year review' of the RDS in June 2008, SPG-HOU 4 has been adjusted to replace reference to 'brownfield target' with 'regional target for 60% of additional dwellings to be provided within urban footprints', and to give increased emphasis to the need for the provision of necessary infrastructure to support housing development. Appendix 8 which sets out guidance on urban housing has been updated to clarify the definition of previously developed / brownfield land (see Annex C).