A Large Scale Residential Development (LRD) refers to significant housing or student accommodation projects that meet specific size thresholds, requiring a particular type of planning application made to local authorities.
Defining Large Scale Residential Development (LRD)
Based on the provided reference, 'Large-scale Residential Development' or LRD applications are specifically defined by the scale and type of the proposed construction. It is essentially a planning term used for substantial building projects involving residential units or student living spaces.
An LRD application is required for developments that include:
- 100 or more houses: Projects focused on traditional houses.
- Student accommodation with 200 or more bed spaces: Developments specifically designed for student housing.
- A combination of both: Projects that include both 100 or more houses and student accommodation.
These thresholds distinguish LRDs from smaller developments, leading to a different application process with the local authority.
Key LRD Criteria
To be classified as a Large Scale Residential Development based on the reference, the project must meet or exceed the following criteria:
- Houses: At least 100 houses
- Student Accommodation: At least 200 bed spaces
- Mixed Development: At least 100 houses and student accommodation (regardless of the student accommodation bed count, provided the house count is met, or at least 200 student bed spaces regardless of the house count, provided the student bed space count is met - the reference is slightly ambiguous on the combination criteria but implies either threshold being met or exceeded in their respective categories could trigger LRD for a mixed scheme, but the most common interpretation is reaching the threshold for at least one type, or both). Self-correction: The reference states "both the development of 100 or more houses and of student accommodation". This implies a development containing both types, and for the overall project to be LRD, it needs to meet the criteria for houses or student accommodation, or contain both types. Let's stick to the clearer interpretation that meeting any of the bullets makes it an LRD. The list above is clear and directly from the reference.
Here is a summary of the criteria in a table format:
| Development Type | Minimum Threshold |
|---|---|
| Houses | 100 or more units |
| Student Accommodation | 200 or more bed spaces |
| Both Houses & Student Accommodation | 100 or more houses OR 200 or more bed spaces (or both) |
Understanding this definition is crucial for developers and planners involved in large-scale residential projects, as it determines the specific planning procedures and requirements they must follow with the local authority.
