Policy ENV2: Strategic Gaps

Local Plan Update (Regulation 18)
Closed22 Jan, 2024, 10:00am - 4 Mar, 2024, 11:59pm

Policy ENV2:  Strategic Gaps

In order to prevent coalescence of built-up areas and to maintain the separate identity of settlements, the generally open and undeveloped nature of the following gaps will be protected:

  • Basingstoke - Oakley
  • Basingstoke - Sherborne St John
  • Basingstoke - Old Basing
  • Basingstoke/Chineham - Bramley/Sherfield on Loddon
  • Basingstoke – North Waltham
  • Basingstoke - Dummer
  • Tadley-Baughurst

Development in gaps will only be permitted where:

  1. It would not diminish the physical and/or visual separation; and
  2. It would not compromise the integrity of the gap either individually or cumulatively with other existing or proposed development; or
  3. It is proposed through a Neighbourhood Plan or Neighbourhood Development Order, including Community Right to Build Orders.
7.13 In parts of Basingstoke the towns and villages are located relatively close to one another and the land allocations within this plan will in some instances reduce the distance between settlements further. The gaps have not been defined to protect the countryside or landscape (Policy ENV1), they are essentially a planning tool to prevent the coalescence of settlements and maintain the separate identity of settlements.
7.14 A clear gap between settlements helps maintain a sense of place for both residents of, and visitors to, the settlements on either side of the gaps. When travelling through a strategic gap (by all modes of transport) a traveller should have a clear sense of having left the first settlement, having travelled through an undeveloped area and then entered the second settlement.
7.15 Small scale development that is in keeping with the rural nature of the gaps will not be prevented, provided that it is appropriately sited and designed to minimise the impact on the openness of the gap and subject to other policies of this plan.
7.16 The precise boundaries for the gaps are set out on the policies map.
Implementation and Monitoring

The policy will be implemented through:

  • Advice on and the determination of relevant planning applications
  • Monitoring of permitted applications which do not meet the policy requirements

Representations

26 representations have raised comments relating to this chapter

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