STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT LAND
WHAT IS STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT LAND?
Strategic land is land identified as being suitable for major development generally urban extensions including a mix of housing and commercial but can also be wholly commercial. It could also be new towns or villages.
WHAT IS MAJOR DEVELOPMENT?
Developments that include hundreds, if not thousands, of new buildings. Recent Westcountry examples include Cranbrook, Exeter, Sherford, Plymouth, Langarth Village, Truro and Nansledan, Newquay. Such developments generally require significant new infrastructure including roads and utilities but also community facilities such as schools, shops, and medical surgeries.
WHO SAYS IT IS STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT LAND?
It will be identified within a Local Planning Authority’s Development Plan which is subject to extensive public consultation before being signed off by the Secretary of State.
HOW DOES A SITE BECOME IDENTIFIED?
By owners promoting their land to Development Plan reviews. Where landowners do not have the skill, energy, or finances to promote their land they can partner with developers to undertake the promotion for them. For land to be allocated it has to fit with the Plans overall ambitions for growth, be physically suitable, available, and deliverable within the Plan period, which is generally 10 years.
WHEN DOES THE SITE BECOME ALLOCATED?
Local Planning Authorities undertake a review of their Development Plans on a regular basis, generally every 10 years in order to ensure that the plan is relevant, fit for purpose and capable of accommodating their community’s future growth and wellbeing. Plans are available to view on LPA’s website which will also advise on any ongoing reviews.
Central government is a strong advocate of a Plan led Planning system which may in the future reduce the ability to receive consent for large developments not included in the area’s current Plan.
If you have land which you think has potential for a major development, it’s never too early to promote it to the Local Plan.
To talk to Vickery Holman about land requirements or feasibility studeis, please talk to our development consultancy team.
