Troy Planning + Design has produced an Urban Capacity Study on behalf of Rugby Borough Council which comprises important evidence to the new Local Plan.
The study was specifically commissioned because respondents to the Regulation 18 consultation of the emerging Local Plan expressed the view that opportunities for making more and better use of previously developed land in the existing built-up area should be explored before allocating greenfield land on the edge of settlements for development.
The study took a forensic approach to investigating the potential for development in the most sustainable parts of the built-up area, including the town centre and catchments around this and the railway station, supplemented by targeted interventions elsewhere.
Sites were identified through a combination of consultation, review of the development pipeline, regeneration studies and site visits. The suitability of each site was considered and the capacity of each informed by a review of the urban grain and form, seeking to optimise (as opposed to ‘maximise’) development opportunities. Consideration of viability matters and site availability has enabled an additional source of supply to be identified that was not previously accounted for in the Regulation 18 Local Plan.
The study forms part of the suite of ‘Strategic Assessments’ supporting the Local Plan and is available online.
With the new NPPF directing new development to existing built up areas it will become even more important for planning authorities to assess the opportunities. Our approach to urban capacity can support this process. Do get in touch to find out more.
