Settlement Boundary
The NPSC has proposed a defined Settlement Boundary for Stanford so that we all have a clear understanding of where development should or should not go. Under the National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF) there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development in, or adjacent to existing settlements and the Settlement Boundary provides a means by which any development may be confined, thereby discouraging urban sprawl.
The NPSC initially proposed a Settlement Boundary which followed much of the built-up area of the Village, with some exclusions, but included the current David Wilson Homes development at Nursery End and also the Strategic Site proposed west of the A417 by the Vale of White Horse District Council in their draft Local Plan (Part 1).
Original Proposed Settlement Boundary
Feedback in the form of a consultation leaflet was sought from Parishioners on the Settlement Boundary, as a result of which the original proposal has been revised to more closely follow the roads which define the main built-up area of the Village, i.e. Cottage Road, Chapel Road, High Street and Faringdon Road. This places further limits on the amount of land which is within, or adjacent to the Settlement Boundary and where, under the NPPF, there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development. It is acknowledged that not all houses fall within the Settlement Boundary, though this is not necessary provided that the Boundary defines where most of the built-up area is located.
Subject to any further consultation, this revised Settlement Boundary will be taken forward for incorporation in the draft Neighbourhood Plan.