B7 Chapter 4 - Settlement Structure

Purpose of the Settlement Structure

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4.1

To provide a firm basis for development control and for the allocation of land for specific purposes, the development strategy has been amplified in respect of the locations in North Norfolk where most development opportunities will arise. Accordingly, the Growth Towns, Small Towns, Large Villages and Selected Small Villages have been divided into a series of 'land-use policy areas' (with the exception of the 'A' and 'B' class roads and railways running through the Towns and Large Villages). The boundaries of the land-use policy areas are shown on the proposals map.

4.2

The land-use policy areas establish the broad character and primary use, or uses, of different parts of the settlements concerned. Their purpose is to provide a general indication of the areas available for housing, commerce, industry and other development, and for open space uses for education and leisure purposes.

4.3

The policies set out below will seek to protect and enhance the character and role of different parts of the settlements, but there is no intention to apply them in a way that leads to the unnecessary disturbance of existing 'non-conforming' uses within the areas. However, the policies may facilitate the change of use or redevelopment of existing non-conforming uses to the primary or other acceptable use for that area, and thereby strengthen the broad pattern of land use.

4.4

The Council considers that this approach provides a more comprehensive framework for making planning decisions that will lend a greater degree of certainty about what types of development will and will not be allowed.

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Categories of Land-Use Policy Area

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4.5

There are five categories of land-use policy area that apply to the Growth Towns, Small Towns and Large Villages. These are:

• Residential Areas;
• Town Centres or Large Village Centres;
• Open Land Areas; and
• General Employment Areas (both existing and proposed); or
• Village Employment Areas.

4.6

There are three categories of land-use policy area that apply to the Selected Small Villages. These are:

• Residential Areas;
• Open Land Areas; and
• Village Employment Areas.

In addition, a General Employment Area is designated in the Selected Small Village of Catfield.

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Definition of Land-Use Policy Areas

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4.7

The land-use policy areas have been defined and distinguished from one another having regard to the following principles:

(a) The Countryside forms the outer boundary of each settlement.

(b) Internal boundaries are usually taken along roads or distinct breaks in primary land use.

(c) Boundaries reflect both existing land use patterns and proposed uses, and are usually taken to curtilage boundaries.

(d) Residential Areas have a predominantly residential use. However, they can also include a variety of other 'compatible' developments, including schools, shops, medical facilities and other community facilities. A variety of business uses are also considered compatible with the predominant residential use. Incompatible developments in Residential Areas include general industrial, storage and distribution activities. In Selected Small Villages in particular, Residential Areas can include a greater range of activities derived from their traditionally mixed pattern of development.

(e) General Employment Areas comprise business, industry, storage and distribution uses plus some limited retailing use (but generally no residential use), together with greenfield sites allocated for the same purposes.

(f) Town Centres and Large Village Centres comprise a mix of commercial and residential uses and all of the significant shopping floor space (except for a few large convenience stores).

(g) Open Land Areas are those making a significant visual contribution to the amenity and character of the settlement and include education and leisure space owned by the parish, town, District or County Council, private playing-fields, allotments, cemeteries, village greens and other open land. Open land includes subordinate buildings such as sports club accommodation.

(h) Village Employment Areas comprise predominantly small-scale employment generating uses.

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