Previously developed land

Screen

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Go back to Previously developed land summary

These are the questions we answer during the Screen stage.

Answering them wil help us learn more about the Previously developed land consideration, determine if a data standard is required and whether we know enough to move on to the next stage.

  • What is the 'Previously developed land' consideration?

    Land which has been lawfully developed and is or was occupied by a permanent structure and any fixed surface infrastructure associated with it, including the curtilage of the developed land (although it should not be assumed that the whole of the curtilage should be developed). It also includes land comprising large areas of fixed surface infrastructure such as large areas of hardstanding which have been lawfully developed. Previously developed land excludes: land that is or was last occupied by agricultural or forestry buildings; land that has been developed for minerals extraction or waste disposal by landfill, where provision for restoration has been made through development management procedures; land in built-up areas such as residential gardens, parks, recreation grounds and allotments; and land that was previously developed but where the remains of the permanent structure or fixed surface structure have blended into the landscape.

  • Is there legislation that defines 'Previously developed land'?

    Yes

    • What is the legislation that defines 'Previously developed land'?

      Previously developed land is defined within the NPPF - which isn't strictly legislation, but it does underpin the planning process.

    • What is the specific part of the legislation that describes how a 'Previously developed land' gets designated?

      December 2024 NPPF - glossary section

    • What is the specific part of the legislation that requires the publication of 'Previously developed land'?

  • Who, in law, is responsible for the planning consideration or makes decisions about 'Previously developed land'?

    The local planning authority

  • Which organisations do we think should publish the data?

  • Is the Previously developed land a trigger?

  • Is the Previously developed land something to consult during plan making?

    Yes

    • Provide information about when Previously developed land is used during plan making

      PDL will be considered during the local plan site allocation process and the decision making process when determining a planning application. LPAs are required by the NPPF to consider PDL over green or grey belt land.

  • Is there any Previously developed land data already available?

  • Do we think the data should come from a single source?

  • Will a data standard be required?