Local gaps

98. There are many open or undeveloped areas which have importance at a local level, both within the major built-up areas and elsewhere. Local gaps will be identified in local plans where there are areas of locally important open and undeveloped land which separate individual settlements, the identity of which would be lost by their coalescence.

G3 To preserve the separate identities of smaller settlements at risk of coalescence with other settlements, local plans may identify and seek to preserve local gaps between them. The boundaries of local gaps will be identified in local plans having regard to:

(i) the inclusion of no more land than is required to prevent coalescence and retain the separate identities of settlements;

(ii) the development requirements as set out in other policies of this Plan.

Within local gaps, permission will not normally be granted for development which would diminish the gap physically or visually.

99. The precise boundaries of local gaps will be defined in local plans having regard to the development requirements set out in other policies in this Plan, and will include land which makes an important visual contribution to the setting of a settlement and its identity.