What advantage does cluster development provide?

Cluster development offers significant advantages, particularly in terms of utility installation costs and the preservation of natural features. By concentrating buildings in a specific area while leaving other parts of the site undeveloped, cluster development can reduce the lengths of utility lines needed to service the residences or businesses, leading to lower overall installation and maintenance costs. Furthermore, this strategic arrangement allows for greater conservation of natural landscapes, such as forests, wetlands, or other environmentally sensitive areas, which can be protected from development. This integration of sustainability into development practices enhances the ecological value of the land, promoting biodiversity and environmental health.

In contrast, while increased land area or building density might seem beneficial, they do not inherently embrace the principles of sustainability or cost efficiency. Uniform open spaces, while appealing, do not provide the same level of ecological preservation and resource efficiency that cluster development achieves.