The boundaries represent the edges of defined urban character areas. These are areas with shared physical characteristics which distinguish them from adjoining areas, for example land use, topography, architectural style, tree cover.
There is a lengthy document demonstrating the shared physical characteristics for each urban character area. The document is intended to be used within the context of the planning system. As a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), its content is a ‘material consideration’ in Development Control; that is, decisions on planning applications can be influenced by the content of the document. It can be used by planning officers, developers or the general public, and is published on the Council’s website alongside other Development Control documents such as Conservation Area Appraisals.