Constrained site
A constrained site is one that is restricted, and as a result might limit the kind of development that can occur. The phrase usually refers to physical constraints such as the site being quite small for the development, on a pitch making groundworks more difficult or with buildings or road networks surrounding it etc.
Understanding the site constraints is an important early step when planning a construction or development project, so of which maybe contained within planning policy, stating the type of development that is acceptable, known as planning constraints. Consideration should also be given to wider project constraints, as the development project itself may also be impacted by a number of other types of constraints which might include legal, regulatory or environmental constraints, utility and infrastructure constraints as well budget constraints.
The RIBA Plan of Work section 0 Strategic Definition includes what is referred to as a site appraisal which includes different actions to be taken at the early stage of a project, these include 'Site Appraisal of sustainability opportunities and constraints of potential sites and building assets.'
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