Can housing development on the edges of towns absorb neighbouring villages?

[Buyingahouse1]

I’m looking to buy such a house on the edge of a town that has a lot of housing development in the area. There are villages only a farmers field or two away! Are there any regulations that prevent a town from absorbing a village?

Yes they can, look at the neighbourhood plan and planned development

Yes… we live in a village that got absorbed (20 years ago) and now would be a 30 minute + walk to the edge of the town from here.

Towns regularly absorb villages.

it only doesn’t happen if the space in between is protected in some way - green belt, nature reserve etc.

There’s a plan until 2040 and there’s no plans yet for the fields. I’m planning to sell again in 2033 so I’m wondering if it’s safe enough to buy!

There’s an area labelled green buffer on satellite maps in between the town and the field so I wonder if that has to stay in place.