In this chapter

• Introduction to development management policy
• Housing
• Climate change
• Nature and ecosystem services
• Green Belt
• Jobs and economy
• Healthy, vibrant and inclusive communities
• Heritage and design
  • Policy HD/EQ: Environmental quality
  • Policy HD/WHSS: World heritage site and its setting
  • Policy HD/HE: Historic environment
  • Policy HD/SCCW: Somersetshire Coal Canal and the Wansdyke
  • Policy HD/GUDP: General urban design principles
  • Policy HD/LCD: Local character and distinctiveness
  • Policy HD/UF: Urban fabric
  • Policy HD/SS: Streets and spaces
  • Policy HD/BD: Building design
  • Policy HD/A: Amenity
  • Policy HD/IBD: Infill and backland development
  • Policy HD/L: Lighting
  • Policy HD/AOSF: Advertisements and outdoor street furniture
  • Policy HD/PR: Public realm
  • Policy HD/DC: Design codes
• Sustainable transport
• Pollution, contamination and safety
• Minerals and waste
• Waste
• Infrastructure

Policy HD/IBD: Infill and backland development

About this page

How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works

These Development Management policy option pages contain the following sections:

Policy background

• Relevant national policy or regulations
• National or regional trends
• Local situation and needs/li>
• How we have dealt with this issue in the past
• The thinking behind the policy

Policy options for the new Local Plan

We may suggest a variety of approaches:

• Keeping existing policy as it is
• Making small changes
• Replacing the policy with something that is substantially different
• Identifying factors or events which may affect this policy in the future

Policy option analysis

• A list of the advantages and disadvantages that we have identified for each of the policy options we are presenting.

More on this topic

Read the Heritage and Design Topic Paper for in-depth focus about this topic, and the evidence which informs our policy. Visit our library of Local Plan Options supporting documents to learn more.

Explore the policy

Select a section below to read more.

Policy background

9.408 The delivery of well-designed places is also a key consideration set out within the NPPF. Section 2 - Achieving sustainable development notes the planning system has three overarching objectives, paragraph 8 b) sets the overarching context for local policy as outlined above. The NPPF further sets out the approach to design under Section 12 - Achieving well-designed places, paragraph 126 also as outlined above is of key consideration.

9.409 Placemaking Plan Policy D7 relates specifically to infill and backland development, it applies to all parts of the district both urban and rural and emphasises the importance of an approach based on a sound understanding of character and context.

9.410  The detailed background and evidence relating to the following options is set out in the Heritage and design Topic Paper.

Policy options for the new Local Plan

9.411 The policy remains fit for purpose. The current policy accords with national and local strategies, however, amendments could be incorporated to ensure the policy is clearer particularly regarding planning balance and judgement.

Option A

Retain policy D7 with amendments as outlined above.

Advantages of Option A

• Adopted policy presents no significant issues or concerns arising from development management officers in its implementation, but the proposed change would aid implementation
• No evidence to suggest major changes are required

Disadvantages of Option A

None identified.