Policy information sourced from Dacorum Local Plan 2004 Alteration

21 Density of Residential Development

Careful consideration will be given to the density of all new housing proposals to ensure that they make the most efficient use of the land available.

Densities will generally be expected to be in the range of 30 to 50 dwellings per hectare net.

Higher densities will generally be encouraged in urban areas at locations where services and/or workplaces can be reached without the need for motorised travel or which are served well by passenger transport, for example at town and local centres.

Proposals which have a density of below 30 dwellings per hectare net should be avoided.

For sites at the edge of an urban area, special attention will be paid to the effect of development density on open countryside and views. In such locations proposals will be expected to retain existing trees and hedges and incorporate appropriate landscaping in order to achieve a soft edge to the countryside.

Housing proposals will not be permitted if the density of the scheme would adversely affect the amenity and/or existing character of the surrounding area or would fail to satisfy the design criteria in Policy 11.

Further advice on the design of new development in residential areas of Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead and Tring and how it should relate to existing character is given in supplementary planning guidance (entitled Development in Residential Areas).

The net capacity of sites listed in the Schedule of Housing Proposal Sites is expected to be met. Proposals which fail to meet any specified minimum densities will be refused permission.

For more information please see the Local Plan