GENERAL HOUSING CONSIDERATIONS

3.16 Housing sites must be developed in a way that maximises their potential and makes a positive contribution to the communities in which they are located. Making sure that developments are well sited and properly designed to fit their surroundings is essential. However, if both environmental and social sustainability are to be achieved, then every effort must be made to ensure that a full range of market sectors is catered for in all localities. Densities should reflect the proximity of jobs and services, with the aim of offering as many people as possible the best opportunity to reduce their dependence on private transport. Local plans may be able to help by varying the design and parking requirements which they demand of developers according to location.

3.17 The development of brownfield land within settlements reduces development pressure on greenfield land and should help to sustain community services. These sites are more likely to benefit from existing public transport services and offer opportunities for reducing car dependency. In addition to identifying such sites, local plans will set out criteria for their development and, where known, the need for any developer contributions. An assessment will, of course, have to be made of the most appropriate use of brownfield sites, whether for housing, employment uses, open space or any other use, to ensure a proper balance and mix. It is the intention of the plan that at least 50% of new housing in the Aberdeen Housing Market Area is from brownfield sources.