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4. GREEN BELT |
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Policy GB1 |
Extent of
the Green Belt in Chiltern District |
Policy GB2 |
Development in General in the
Green Belt |
Policy GB3 |
Residential
Development in General in The Green Belt Policy removed as from 28th September 2007 |
Policy GB4 |
Residential Development in the
Green Belt within Existing Rows of Dwellings As Defined in the
Proposals Map |
Policy GB5 |
Residential
Development in the Green Belt in Settlements As Defined on the
Proposals Map |
Policy GB6 |
Rebuilding or Replacement of
an Existing Habitable Dwelling Located in the Green Belt in
the Areas Defined in Policies GB4 and GB5 |
Policy GB7 |
Rebuilding
or Replacement of an Existing Habitable Dwelling in the Green
Belt Outside the Areas Defined in Policies GB4 and GB5 |
Policy GB8 |
Rebuilding or Replacement of
a Derelict Dwelling or Replacement of a Caravan with a Dwelling
in the Green Belt |
Policy GB9 |
Static Residential
Caravan Sites in the Green Belt Policy removed as from 28th September 2007 |
Policy GB10 |
Re-Use of an Existing Habitable
Dwelling in the Green Belt As More Than One Residential Unit
(Class C3) |
Policy GB11 |
Re-Use of
Existing Non-Residential Buildings in the Green Belt For Residential
Use (Class C3) |
Policy GB12 |
Extensions to Existing Dwellings
and Self-Contained Residential Annexes (for relatives or domestic
staff) in the Green Belt within the Policy Areas Defined in
Policies GB4 and GB5 |
Policy GB13 |
Extensions
to Existing Dwellings and Self-Contained Residential Annexes
(for relatives or domestic staff) in the Green Belt Outside
the Areas Defined in Policies GB4 and GB5 |
Policy GB14 |
Retention of a Self-Contained
Residential Annex in the Green Belt Without Compliance with
an Occupancy Condition Policy removed as from 28th September 2007 |
Policy GB15 |
Ancillary
Residential Buildings Within the Curtilage of an Existing Habitable
Dwelling in the Green Belt |
Policy GB16 |
Extension of Residential Curtilages
in the Green Belt |
Policy GB17 |
Agricultural
Workers Dwellings in the Green Belt |
Policy GB18 |
Temporary Residential Accommodation
for Agricultural Workers in the Green Belt Policy removed as from 28th September 2007 |
Policy GB19 |
Imposition
of Agricultural Occupancy Conditions on Dwellings in the Green
Belt |
Policy GB20 |
Retention of a Dwelling in
the Green Belt without Compliance with an Agricultural Occupancy
Condition |
Policy GB21 |
Dwellings
for Other Essential Workers in the Green Belt Policy removed as from 28th September 2007 |
Policy GB22 |
Temporary Residential Accommodation
for Other Essential Workers in the Green Belt Policy removed as from 28th September 2007 |
Policy GB22A |
Business,
General Industrial and Storage or Distribution Development In
the Green Belt |
Policy GB23 |
Limited Infilling Including
Local Community Facilities in the Green Belt In the Areas Defined
in Policies GB4 and GB5, Except Development covered by Policies
GB4, GB5, GB6, GB12 and GB15 |
Policy GB24 |
Redevelopment
or Change of Use of Buildings Used for the Provision of Local
Community Facilities in the Green Belt |
Policy GB25 |
The Erection of Walls, Fences,
Gates and Gate Piers Adjacent to a Public Highway in the Green
Belt Policy removed as from 28th September 2007 |
Policy GB26 |
Protection
of the Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land in the Green
Belt From Irreversible Development Policy removed as from 28th September 2007 |
Policy GB27 |
New Agricultural Buildings,
Extensions and Alterations to Existing Agricultural Buildings
in the Green Belt, except Dwellings for Agricultural Workers
|
Policy GB28 |
Other Acceptable
Land Uses and New Ancillary Buildings in the Green Belt Policy removed as from 28th September 2007 |
Policy GB29 |
Re-Use of Buildings in the
Green Belt for Commercial, Industrial, Recreational and Other
Uses, except Residential Uses Covered By Policies GB10 and GB11
|
Policy GB30 |
Conservation
and Enhancement of Rural Landscape in parts of The Green Belt
|
Policy GB31 |
Provision of Ancillary Car
Parking Facilities at Existing Non- Residential Buildings in
the Green Belt Policy removed as from 28th September 2007 |
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Extent Of The Green
Belt In Chiltern District |
|
POLICY GB1 |
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The extent of the Green
Belt in Chiltern District is as defined on the Proposals Map. |
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|
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Development In General
In The Green Belt |
|
POLICY GB2 |
|
Most development in the
Green Belt is inappropriate and there is a general presumption against
such development. Development which is not inappropriate is set out
in this Policy. Planning permission will be refused for inappropriate
development in the Green Belt, but may be given for the categories
of development set out in clauses (a) to (f) below. |
|
(a) |
New buildings which are
reasonably required for agricultural or forestry purposes. "Agriculture"
has the meaning given in section 336 (1) of the Town and Country Planning
Act 1990 (as amended): |
|
(b) |
New buildings to provide
essential facilities for (i) outdoor sport and (ii) outdoor recreation;
for (iii) cemeteries and for (iv) other uses of land which preserve
the openness of the Green Belt and which do not conflict with the
purposes of including land in it. |
|
(c) |
The limited extension,
alteration or replacement of existing dwellings in accordance with
Policies GB6, GB7, GB12, GB13 and GB15 in this Local Plan. |
|
(d) |
Limited infilling within
the areas identified in Policies GB4 and GB5 in accordance with Policies
GB4, GB5, GB22A and GB23 in this Local Plan. |
|
(e) |
Change of use of existing
permanent and substantial buildings, in accordance with Policies GB10,
GB11, GB22A and GB29. |
|
(f) |
Engineering and other operations
and the making of material changes in the use of land (as distinct
from buildings) which maintain openness and do not conflict with the
purposes of including land in the Green Belt. |
|
The granting of planning
permission is subject to other Policies in this Local plan being complied
with. |
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Residential Development
In General In The Green Belt |
|
POLICY GB3 |
|
Residential development
in the Green Belt will not be permitted except as provided for in
Policies GB2, GB4 to GB8 inclusive, GB10 to GB15 inclusive, GB17,
GB18, and GB20 to GB22 inclusive. |
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Residential Development
In The Green Belt Within Existing Rows Of Dwellings As Defined On
The Proposals Map |
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POLICY GB4 |
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In the Green Belt, in existing
rows of dwellings and other substantial buildings as defined on the
Proposals Map, and as listed in this Policy, the Council will accept
limited "infilling", where "infilling" is defined as follows: |
|
The construction of one
or two dwelling(s) in a small gap in an existing row of dwellings
and other substantial buildings, which form an otherwise fully developed
frontage to a road, and |
|
i) |
the width of the development
site is closely similar to the widths of existing adjoining sites
as measured along the row of dwellings and other substantial buildings;
|
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and |
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(ii) |
the curtilage for each
dwelling is of a size and shape comparable to existing adjoining development;
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and |
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(iii) |
the siting, scale and appearance
of each dwelling is compatible with the character of existing dwellings
in the vicinity of the development site. |
|
Policies GC1 and GC4 of
the General Criteria Chapter and other Policies in this Local Plan
should also be complied with. |
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Conservation Areas |
|
On sites that are within
a Conservation Area, the Conservation Area Policies in the Historic
Heritage Chapter of this Local Plan should also be satisfied even
if a development is acceptable under the criteria of this Policy.
|
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The following rows of dwellings
and other substantial buildings have been identified in the Green
Belt: |
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Proposals Map Sheet No
and Location |
|
Sheet No 1: |
|
Area |
Road Name |
Buckland Common |
Bottom Road/Browns Rise |
Buckland Common |
Cherry Tree Lane |
Buckland Common |
Cholesbury Lane, (2 rows) |
Buckland Common |
Little Twye Road |
Cholesbury Sandpit |
Hill Cottages |
St Leonards |
Jenkins Lane |
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Sheet No 2B: |
|
The Lee |
Corner Wood Lane |
|
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Sheet No 3: |
|
Bellingdon |
Chesham Road |
Chartridge |
Chartridge Lane |
Chartridge |
Cogdells Lane |
The Lee |
Lee Common |
The Lee |
Sly Corner |
The Lee |
Swan Bottom |
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Sheet No 4: |
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Ashley Green |
Part of Village |
Bellingdon |
Chesham Road (3 rows) |
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Sheet No 5: |
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Whelpley Hill |
Northern part of village |
Whelpley Hill |
Southern part of village |
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Sheet No 6: |
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The Lee |
East of the Green |
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Sheet No 7: |
|
Ballinger Common |
|
Hyde End |
Chesham Road |
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Sheet No 8: |
|
Asheridge |
Opposite Widmore Farm |
Asheridge |
Widmore Close |
Ashley Green |
Ashley Green Road |
Bellingdon |
Chesham Road |
Chesham |
Ashley Green Road, |
Chesham |
Deer Park Walk, Lycrome Road |
Chesham |
Lye Green Road |
Chesham |
Pednor Road |
Chesham |
Vale Road |
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Sheet No 9: |
|
Lye Green |
Lycrome Road |
Orchard Leigh |
Rushmere Lane/Jasons Hill |
Whelpley Hill |
Southern part of village |
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Sheet No 10: |
|
Great Missenden |
London Road / Rookwood Way |
Prestwood |
Wycombe Road |
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Sheet No 11: |
|
Little Missenden |
Highmore Cottages |
Little Missenden |
Village Centre |
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Sheet No 13: |
|
Latimer |
Parkfield Estate |
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Sheet No 14: |
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Prestwood |
Peterley |
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Sheet No 15: |
|
Penn Street |
Whole village |
Penn Street |
Chancellors Corner |
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Sheet No 16: |
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Amersham |
London Road East |
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Sheet No 17: |
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Amersham |
Cokes Lane (south) |
Amersham |
London Road East |
Little Chalfont |
Long Walk and Lodge Lane |
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Sheet No 18: |
|
Chenies |
Bedford Close and adjoining |
Chenies |
Hillside |
Chenies |
Red Lion Cottages and adjoining |
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Sheet No 19: |
|
Penn |
Church Road and Beacon Hill |
Penn |
Pauls Hill |
Winchmore Hill |
Opposite The Common |
Winchmore Hill |
Whielden Lane |
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Sheet No 20: |
|
Coleshill |
Barracks Hill/Meadow Cottage Lane |
Coleshill |
Chase Close |
Coleshill |
Hill Meadow |
Coleshill |
Magpie Lane |
Coleshill |
The Bit |
Coleshill |
Tower Road |
Coleshill |
Village Road |
|
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Sheet No 23: |
|
Chalfont St Giles |
Three Households |
Jordans |
Copse Lane and Beech Lane |
Jordans |
Dean Wood Road |
Seer Green |
Newbarn Lane |
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Sheet No 24: |
|
Chalfont St Giles |
Dibden Hill/Bowstridge Lane |
Chalfont St Giles |
Narcot Lane |
Horn Hill |
Roberts Lane |
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Residential Development
In The Green Belt In Settlements As Defined On The Proposals Map |
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POLICY GB5 |
|
In the Green Belt, within
the areas of Nashleigh Hill/Lycrome Road (Chesham), Botley, Ley Hill,
South Heath, Hyde Heath, Little Kingshill, Winchmore Hill and Jordans,
whose boundaries are identified on the Proposals Map, the Council
will accept limited residential development in the following circumstances:
|
|
(a) |
limited "infilling" where
the definition of "infilling" as set out in Policy GB4 is complied
with; |
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|
or |
|
(b) |
where the development site
consists of a small parcel of land in existing authorised or established
residential use which is totally or substantially enclosed by existing
residential development, including dwellings and not just their curtilages.
|
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A small parcel will be regarded
by the Council as having an area of not more than about 0.5 of a hectare,
and the number of dwellings will be determined by the criteria set
out in clauses (i) and (ii) below: |
|
(i) |
the curtilage for each dwelling
should be of a size and shape comparable to existing surrounding development;
|
|
|
and |
|
(ii) |
the siting, scale and appearance
of each new dwelling should be compatible with the existing character
of the settlement around the development, and, where appropriate,
of a size and type to suit local housing needs. |
|
Policies GC1 and GC4 of
the General Criteria Chapter and other Policies in this Local Plan
should also be complied with. |
|
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Conservation Areas |
|
On sites that are within
a Conservation Area, the Conservation Area Policies in the Historic
Heritage Chapter of this Local Plan should also be satisfied even
if a development is acceptable under the criteria of this Policy.
|
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|
Rebuilding Or Replacement
Of An Existing Habitable Dwelling Located In The Green Belt In The
Areas Defined In Policies GB4 And GB5 |
|
POLICY GB6 |
|
In the Green Belt, within
the areas defined in Policies GB4 and GB5, the Council will accept
the rebuilding or replacement of an existing habitable dwelling provided
that all of the following criteria are met: |
|
(i) |
the siting of the dwelling
to be rebuilt or replaced is the same or similar to the siting of
the existing habitable dwelling and the curtilage of the development
site is the same as the curtilage of the dwelling to be rebuilt or
replaced, or the criteria set out in clauses one and two of either
Policy GB4 or GB5 can be met. |
|
(ii) |
Policies GC1 and GC4 of
the General Criteria Chapter and other Policies in this Local Plan
are complied with. |
|
(iii) |
On sites that are within
a Conservation Area, the Conservation Area Policies in the Historic
Heritage Chapter of the Local Plan should also be satisfied even if
a development is acceptable under the criteria of this Policy. |
|
(iv) |
If the existing habitable
dwelling is a Building of Special Architectural or Historic Interest,
consent for demolition will be refused in accordance with Policy LB3.
|
|
This Policy does not apply
to caravans. |
|
|
|
Rebuilding Or Replacement
Of An Existing Habitable Dwelling In The Green Belt Outside The Areas
Defined In Policies GB4 And GB5 |
|
POLICY GB7 |
|
In the Green Belt outside
the areas defined in Policies GB4 and GB5, the rebuilding or replacement
of an existing habitable dwelling will be acceptable in principle
providing the new dwelling is not materially larger than that to be
demolished after taking into account any extension that could have
been built as "permitted development" by virtue of the Town and Country
Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. |
|
If the "permitted development"
allowance is taken into account and a dwelling with a larger gross
floorspace than previously existed is permitted, a condition excluding
"permitted development" as defined in Classes A and B of Part 1 of
Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)
Order 1995 will be included in any planning permission granted. |
|
The new dwelling should
not be more intrusive in the landscape than the one to be demolished.
|
|
Other Policies in this Local
Plan should be complied with. |
|
If the existing habitable
dwelling is a Building of Special Architectural or Historic Interest,
consent for demolition will be refused in accordance with Policy LB3.
|
|
This Policy does not apply
to caravans. |
|
Where permission is granted
for a replacement dwelling, a condition will usually be imposed requiring
that the existing dwelling should be demolished before the construction
of the new dwelling is commenced. |
|
Where it appears to the
Council that an existing dwelling may have some historical interest
which could make it worthy of addition to the Statutory List of Buildings
of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, before granting planning
permission the Council will expect the applicant to provide a Certificate
from the Secretary of State for the Environment that the building
is not intended to be listed. If the building is added to the Statutory
List, consent for demolition will be refused in accordance with Policy
LB3 and a replacement dwelling will also be refused. |
|
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Rebuilding Or Replacement
Of A Derelict Dwelling Or Replacement Of A Caravan With A Dwelling
In The Green Belt |
|
POLICY GB8 |
|
In the Green Belt, any proposal
to rebuild or replace a derelict dwelling, or build on the site of
a former dwelling that has already been demolished, will be considered
on the same basis as a proposal to build a new dwelling on a new site.
|
|
Planning permission will
be refused unless there is justification for it in accordance with
any of the other Policies in this Chapter. |
|
The Council will not permit
the replacement of a caravan with a dwelling, except as provided for
in Policy GB17 or Policy GB21 or in the Policy GB4 or GB5 areas on
a site where the criteria for a new dwelling as set out in those Policies
would be met. |
|
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|
Static Residential
Caravan Sites In The Green Belt |
|
POLICY GB9 |
|
In the Green Belt, planning
permission will not be granted for any proposal to create a new static
residential caravan site, or to enlarge the area of an existing site.
|
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Re-Use Of An Existing
Habitable Dwelling In The Green Belt As More Than One Residential
Unit (Class C3) |
|
POLICY GB10 |
|
In the Green Belt, except
in the areas defined in Policies GB4 and GB5, a proposal for the re-use
of an existing habitable dwelling as more than one residential unit
will be regarded as not inappropriate and w ill be permitted w here
all of the following criteria are met: |
|
(i) |
The proposed development
would not have a materially greater impact than the present use on
the openness of the Green Belt and the purposes of including land
in it. |
|
(ii) |
The existing building will
remain substantially unaltered externally. |
|
(iii) |
There should be no increase
in the number of buildings within the curtilage or grounds of the
building. |
|
(iv) |
The curtilage or grounds
of the building should be maintained as part of the rural setting
of the application site. |
|
(v) |
The number of units proposed
should not generate traffic to a degree which would harm the openness
or rural character of the locality or adversely affect highway safety
in the vicinity of the application site. |
|
(viii) |
There are no other planning
objections which cannot be overcome by attaching conditions to planning
permissions. |
|
Where the proposed development
would involve the creation of a dwellinghouse, a condition excluding
"permitted development" in Classes A-G of Part 1 of Schedule 2 of
the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order,
1995 will be included in any planning permission granted. |
|
A condition excluding "permitted
development" in Classes A and B of Part 2 of Schedule 2 of the Town
and Country Planning ( General Permitted Development) Order, 1995
will be included in any planning permission granted. |
|
This Policy relates to uses
within Class C 3 of the Town & Country Planning (Use Classes) Order
1987. |
|
This Policy does not apply
to those areas defined in Policies GB4 and GB5. In such areas, Policy
H7 of the Housing Chapter will be applicable. |
|
Other Policies in this Local
Plan should also be complied with. |
|
|
|
Re-Use Of Existing
Non-Residential Buildings In The Green Belt For Residential Use (Class
C3) |
|
POLICY GB11 |
|
Subject to: |
|
1. |
there being no conflict
with Policy GB24, |
|
|
and |
|
2. |
the building to be converted
not being in business, general industrial or storage or distribution
use as defined in Policy E1, |
|
the Council will regard
a proposal to re-use a non-residential building in the Green Belt
as residential accommodation as not inappropriate development and
will permit it where one or other of the following situations is applicable
and the stated criteria are met: |
|
(a) |
the building is a statutory
listed building of special architectural or historic interest and
the conversion to residential use would facilitate its retention but
would not harm its special interest; |
|
|
or |
|
(b) |
the building is not a statutory
listed building, but it is of permanent and substantial construction
and has a form , bulk and general design in keeping with its surroundings.
|
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|
In connection with (b)
above, in any case where the Council considers that the existing building
has a significant adverse effect on the landscape in terms of visual
amenity and improvements to the external appearance of the building
would resolve this objection, proposed improvements should be included
in the conversion application, or a condition to secure the requisite
improvements will be included in any planning permission granted.
|
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|
and |
|
In either of the above cases,
all of the following criteria are complied with: |
|
(i) |
it should be clearly demonstrated
to the Council by the applicant that the building was substantially
completed at least 10 years before the date of the application. |
|
(ii) |
the building is not in
a derelict condition at the time of determining the planning application,
and, the Council is satisfied, by means of a structural survey submitted
by the applicant carried out by a suitably qualified person, that
the building is structurally sound. Also the amount of new building
work required to make the building suitable for residential use should
not involve such substantial alterations or new building work as to
amount to major reconstruction or be tantamount to the construction
of a new building. |
|
(iii) |
the Council must be satisfied
that the proposed residential use would not have a materially greater
impact than the existing use on the openness of the Green Belt and
the purposes of including land in it. In this connection: |
|
|
(a) |
no extensions will be permitted, |
|
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|
and |
|
|
(b) |
there should be no increase in the
number of buildings within the proposed curtilage or grounds of the
proposed dwelling. |
|
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|
and |
|
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(c) |
there are no other planning objections
which cannot be overcome by attaching conditions to the planning permission.
|
|
Where the proposed re-use
would involve the creation of a dwellinghouse, a condition excluding
"permitted development" as defined in Classes A to G of Part 1 of
Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)
Order, 1995 w ill be included in any planning permission granted.
|
|
A condition excluding "permitted
development" in Classes A and B of Part 2 of Schedule 2 of the Town
and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order, 1995 will
be included in any planning permission granted. |
|
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|
Conversion of Agricultural
Buildings |
|
Where permission is granted
for conversion of an agricultural building the Council may impose
a condition withdrawing permitted development rights for new farm
buildings on the holding, or adjacent to the existing building. |
|
This Policy applies to uses
within Class C3 of the Town & Country Planning (Use Classes) Order
1987. |
|
Other Policies in this Local
Plan should also be complied with. |
|
|
|
Extensions To Existing
Dwellings And Self- Contained Residential Annexes (for relatives or
domestic staff) In The Green Belt Within The Policy Areas Defined
In Policies GB4 And GB5 |
|
POLICY GB12 |
|
The Council will permit
extensions to dwellings situated within the policy areas relating
to Policies GB4 and GB5, as defined on the Proposals Map, providing
that Policies H13 to H17 (inclusive) and other Policies in the Local
Plan are complied with and subject to the third clause of this Policy.
|
|
In the case of a self-contained
residential annexe, Policy H19 will also apply. |
|
Any extension to a dwelling,
or a detached self-contained residential annex in the curtilage of
a dwelling, which is sited on the edge of a settlement and which significantly
extends built-form into the adjoining open land will not be permitted,
particularly where the extension or detached annex is also visually
intrusive in the open countryside setting. |
|
|
|
Extensions To Existing
Dwellings And Self- Contained Residential Annexes (for relatives or
domestic staff) In The Green Belt Outside The Areas Defined In Policies
GB4 And GB5 |
|
POLICY GB13 |
|
In the Green Belt outside
the areas relating to Policies GB4 and GB5, as defined on the Proposals
Map, the Council will permit extensions to dwellings which: |
|
(a) |
are subordinate to the
size and scale of the original dwelling. |
|
|
and |
|
(b) |
are not intrusive in the
landscape. |
|
|
and |
|
(c) |
comply with Policies H13
- H17 inclusive and any other Policies in this Local Plan. |
|
In cases where there have
been one or more previous extensions, the cumulative effect on the
size and scale of the original dwelling will be taken into account
in accordance with criteria (a), (b) and (c) above. |
|
"Original" means, in relation
to a building existing on 1st July 1948, as existing on that date
and, in relation to a building built on or after 1st July 1948, as
so built. |
|
|
|
Self-contained residential
annexes |
|
In the case of an extension
which comprises a self-contained residential annex the following criteria
will also be applied: |
|
(i) |
in most cases the annex
should be in the form of an extension to the existing dwelling with
access to that dwelling via an internal doorway; |
|
|
or, alternatively, |
|
(ii) |
the creation of a self-contained
annex in a building detached from the main dwelling will only be acceptable
where it involves the conversion of a suitable existing outbuilding
of substantial construction and modest size, without the need for
a significant extension to it or any replacement building for the
outbuilding to be converted, and, the applicant must clearly demonstrate
to the Council's satisfaction that the outbuilding was substantially
completed at least 10 years before the date on which the planning
application to convert it is made, |
|
|
and |
|
|
in the case of either (i)
or (ii), |
|
(iii) |
the criteria contained
in Policies H13 to H17 (inclusive) should be complied with; |
|
|
and |
|
(iv) |
the Council must be satisfied
that there would be a reasonable means of preventing the annex from
being occupied as a separate dwelling unit. |
|
|
|
Retention Of A Self-Contained
Residential Annex In The Green Belt Without Compliance With An Occupancy
Restriction |
|
POLICY GB14 |
|
The Council will not grant
planning permission for the retention of a self-contained residential
annex in the Green Belt without compliance with a restriction which
has been imposed to limit its occupancy to relatives or persons employed
at the main dwellinghouse on the application site in such capacities
as gardener, chauffeur or domestic staff, and the dependents of such
persons. |
|
|
|
Ancillary Residential
Buildings Within The Curtilage Of An Existing Habitable Dwelling In
The Green Belt |
|
POLICY GB15 |
|
In the Green Belt, the Council
will, in general, permit the construction or extension of ancillary
non-habitable buildings within domestic curtilages where these buildings
are separate from a main dwelling eg., a detached garage provided
that such buildings are both small and also subordinate in scale to
the original dwelling. Such developments will be considered on their
merits, principally of siting, design, external appearance, location
in relation to the existing dwelling and its surroundings and the
impact on the landscape rather than on specific Green Belt policy
considerations. |
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In particular, the criteria
contained in Policies H13 to H17 (inclusive) must be complied with
as appropriate to the development proposed. |
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"Original" means, in relation
to a building existing on 1st July 1948, as existing on that date
and, in relation to a building built on or after 1st July 1948 as
so built. |
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Extension Of Residential
Curtilages In The Green Belt |
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POLICY GB16 |
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Planning Permission will
not be granted for the extension of an existing residential curtilage
onto land in the Green Belt that is in non-residential use. |
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Agricultural Workers'
Dwellings In The Green Belt |
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POLICY GB17 |
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In the Green Belt, a new
agricultural dwelling will only be acceptable where it can be demonstrated
that it is essential to the operation of an established agricultural
holding. In this connection the Council will follow the advice in
Annex I of PPG7 (Revised) "The Countryside - Environmental Quality
and Economic and Social Development". Where the need for a dwelling
has been proven to the satisfaction of the Council, it should be sited
within an established settlement or group of buildings in open countryside
which is accessible to the holding. If this is not possible, the dwelling
should be sited amongst existing farm buildings. In the event that
this is not practicable, the dwelling should be sited in a position
which is not prominent in the landscape. A dwelling sited in an exposed
position will not be accepted. The dwelling should be no larger than
is necessary to accommodate a worker and his or her immediate dependents.
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In this Policy "agriculture"
has the meaning set out in Section 336 (1) of the Town and Country
Planning Act, 1991. |
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Temporary Residential
Accommodation For Agricultural Workers In The Green Belt |
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POLICY GB18 |
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In the Green Belt, the Council
will only grant planning permission for temporary residential accommodation
to enable a fully operational holding to be established, which, when
established, will require a permanent dwelling. In this connection
the Council will follow the advice in Annex I of PPG7 (Revised) "The
Countryside - Environmental Quality and Economic and Social Development".
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Imposition Of Agricultural
Occupancy Conditions On Dwellings In The Green Belt |
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POLICY GB19 |
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In those cases where the
Council decides that a dwelling in the Green Belt is necessary for
the appropriate management of a farm holding, the planning permission
will be made subject to a condition restricting its occupation to
a person solely or mainly employed, or last employed locally in agriculture
or a dependent or widow or widower of such a person. |
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Retention Of A Dwelling
In The Green Belt Without Compliance With An Agricultural Occupancy
Condition |
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POLICY GB20 |
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The Council will only grant
planning permission for the occupation of a dwelling in the Green
Belt without compliance with an agricultural occupancy condition where
it can be convincingly demonstrated to the Council that there is no
current or longer term requirement for an agricultural worker's dwelling
on the particular holding or to meet the needs of the local agricultural
community. |
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Current requirements will
be examined by reference to Annex E of PPG7 (Revised) - The Countryside
and the Rural Economy. |
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In establishing whether
there is a longer term need for an agricultural dwelling: |
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(i) |
the Council will have regard
to the number of planning applications received within the last 5
years for new agricultural dwellings on the particular holding or
within an 8 kilometre (5 miles) radius of it; |
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and |
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(ii) |
the Council will require
that a marketing exercise aimed at the agricultural community should
be carried out including the following: |
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(a) |
The exercise should be over a period
of at least two years immediately before the application is made,
giving reasonable publicity, |
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and |
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(b) |
The dwelling should be offered for
sale or rent at a price that reflects the value of the property with
the occupancy condition restricting its usage and the ability of an
agricultural worker on average agricultural earnings or any other
person who satisfies the agricultural occupancy condition, to purchase
or rent the dwelling. |
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Dwellings For Other
"Essential" Workers In The Green Belt |
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POLICY GB21 |
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Planning permission for
a dwelling in the Green Belt for occupation by other categories of
"essential" workers and their immediate dependents will only be given
in the following circumstances, all of which should apply: |
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(i) |
the land use to which the
dwelling is related is of a type which is an acceptable use in the
Green Belt in accordance with Policy GB28, is existing, soundly based
and can be shown to be economically viable; |
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(ii) |
it has been demonstrated
by the applicant that the dwelling is essential to the functioning
of the planning unit to which it is related and that without it the
land use could not continue; |
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(iii) |
it has been demonstrated
by the applicant that it is essential that the dwelling is sited on
the planning unit; |
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(iv) |
there is no existing building
suitable for conversion on the planning unit; |
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(v) |
the new dwelling is sited
so as not to harm the open rural character of the countryside. The
siting should be in close association with other buildings where these
exist or are proposed; |
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(vi) |
the Council must be satisfied
that there is a reasonable means of preventing separation of the dwelling
from the planning unit and restricting occupancy to the "essential"
worker and his or her dependents, and that this has been secured before
planning permission is granted; |
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(vii) |
the dwelling should be
no larger than is absolutely necessary to accommodate a worker and
his or her dependents; |
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and |
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(viii) |
other Policies in this
Local Plan are complied with. |
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Temporary Residential
Accommodation For Other "Essential" Workers In The Green Belt |
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POLICY GB22 |
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In the Green Belt, the Council
will only grant planning permission for temporary residential accommodation
for other "essential" workers engaged in acceptable Green Belt uses
to enable a fully viable enterprise to be established which, when
established, will require a permanent dwelling. |
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Business, General Industrial
and Storage or Distribution Development in the Green Belt |
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POLICY GB22A |
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1. In the Green Belt planning
permission for development for business, general industrial or storage
or distribution purposes will only be granted on sites which: |
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a) |
constitute "limited infilling"
in compliance with Policy GB23 in the areas defined in Policies GB4
and GB5 and are currently used or were last used for business, general
industrial or storage or distribution purposes where the use is authorised
or otherwise lawful; |
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or |
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b) |
are existing buildings
for which re-use is proposed which would comply with Policy GB29;
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or |
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c) |
are in accordance with
the criteria in Policy GB2(f) and are currently used or were last
used for business, general industrial or storage or distribution purposes
where the use is authorised or otherwise lawful; |
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and, |
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in all of the above cases
other Policies in this Local Plan are complied with. |
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2. Development for any purpose
other than business, general industrial or storage or distribution
will not be permitted on any site in the Green Belt which is currently
used, or was last used, for business, general industrial or storage
or distribution purposes. |
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3. The terms "business",
"general industrial" and "storage or distribution" are as defined
in Part B of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987.
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4. For the purpose of this
Policy, the Council will consider carefully the precise nature of
a sui-generis use and if its main purpose and function is closely
similar to uses in Classes B1, B2 or B8, the Council will treat the
development proposals as falling within the scope of Part B. |
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Limited Infilling Including
Local Community Facilities In The Green Belt In the Areas Defined
In Policies GB4 And GB5 (Except Development Covered By Policies GB4,
GB5, GB6, GB12 And GB15) |
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POLICY GB23 |
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Definition of Limited
Infilling |
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Limited infilling is defined
as new buildings, extensions or alterations to existing buildings
and replacement buildings, but does not include development covered
by Policies GB4, GB5, GB6, GB12 and GB15. |
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New Buildings |
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The Council will permit
infilling comprising new buildings in the Green Belt in the areas
defined on the Proposals Map for Policies GB4 and GB5 provided that
all of the following criteria are met: |
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(i) |
In a Policy GB4 area, the
development should be located in a small gap in an existing row of
dwellings, which form an otherwise fully developed frontage to a road,
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or |
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(ii) |
In a Policy GB5 area, the
development should be located either in accordance with (i) above,
or, where the development site consists of a small parcel of land
in existing authorised or established use which is totally or substantially
enclosed by existing buildings and not just their curtilages. |
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A small parcel will be regarded
by the Council as having an area of not more than about 0.5 of a hectare.
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and |
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In both Policy GB4 and GB5
areas: |
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(a) |
Any proposed development
sited on the edge of a settlement which significantly extends built
form into the adjoining open land will not be permitted, particularly
where the development is also visually intrusive in the open countryside
setting. |
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(b) |
The design of the proposed
development and its relationship with existing development in the
vicinity, should be satisfactory and in particular Policies GC1, GC2,
GC3, GC4, TR2, TR3 and TR16 in this Local Plan should be complied
with. |
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Extensions or Alterations
To Existing Buildings |
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The Council will permit
extensions to buildings situated within the policy areas relating
to Policies GB4 and GB5, as defined on the Proposals Map, providing
that Policies GC1 - GC3 (inclusive) and other Policies in the Local
Plan are complied with. |
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Any extension to a building
sited on the edge of a settlement which significantly extends built-form
into the adjoining open land will not be permitted, particularly where
the extension is also visually intrusive in the open countryside setting.
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Replacement Buildings |
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With regard to replacement
buildings, in the areas defined on the Proposals Map for Policies
GB4 and GB5, the Council will permit replacement buildings provided
that the criteria in Policy GB6 are complied with. |
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All "Infilling" |
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Where new buildings, extensions
or alterations to existing buildings and replacement buildings are
proposed, Policy GB22A and other Policies in this Local Plan should
be complied with. |
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Conservation Areas |
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On sites that are within
a Conservation Area, the Conservation Area Policies in the Historic
Heritage Chapter of this Local Plan should also be satisfied even
if a development is acceptable under the criteria of this Policy.
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This Policy does not relate
to material changes of use of buildings, which are the subject of
Policies GB10, GB11, and GB29. |
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This Policy applies to any
facility which serves the local community within which it is located
and which may also serve adjoining villages, but does not relate to
the provision of new buildings, extensions or replacement buildings
for sports facilities. |
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Redevelopment Or Change
Of Use Of Buildings Used For The Provision Of Local Community Facilities
In The Green Belt |
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POLICY GB24 |
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In the Green Belt the Council
will not allow the redevelopment or change of use of a building or
land which is in use, or was last used for, local community purposes
as defined in Policy GB23, unless: |
|
(i) |
a replacement building
or land can be provided in an equally convenient location that complies
with Policy GB23; |
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or |
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(ii) |
it can be demonstrated
to the Council that the facility is no longer required for any other
community use in the village and adjoining area where the facility
is located. |
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The Erection Of Walls,
Fences, Gates And Gate Piers Adjacent To A Public Highway In The Green
Belt |
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POLICY GB25 |
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The Council will permit
the erection of walls, fences, gates and gateposts/piers adjacent
to a public highway in the Green Belt provided that all of the following
criteria are met: |
|
(i) |
the openness of the Green
Belt is maintained and there is no conflict with the purposes of including
land within it. |
|
(ii) |
the height, external appearance
and materials should not be visually intrusive in the street scene
or countryside setting; |
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(iii) |
there is no obstruction
to forward visibility; |
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and |
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(iv) |
vision splays can be provided
in accordance with Policy TR3. |
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Protection Of The Best
And Most Versatile Agricultural Land In The Green Belt From Irreversible
Development |
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POLICY GB26 |
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In the Green Belt, the Council
will protect the best and most versatile agricultural land from irreversible
loss by refusing any development which would result in such loss.
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The best and most versatile
agricultural land is defined as land classified as Grade 1, 2 or 3a
in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Agricultural Land
Classification System. |
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New Agricultural Buildings,
Extensions And Alterations To Existing Agricultural Buildings In The
Green Belt (Except Dwellings For Agricultural Workers) |
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POLICY GB27 |
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In the Green Belt, planning
permission will be given for a new agricultural building, or an extension
or alteration to an existing agricultural building provided that all
of the following criteria are met: |
|
1. |
It has been demonstrated
by the applicant that the proposed building or extension is reasonably
required for the functioning of the agricultural enterprise on the
unit on which it would be located; |
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2. |
That the unit is established,
or that the proposed building would enable a fully operational enterprise
and unit to be established; |
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3. |
No other building which
could be used or reasonably converted for use for the purpose of the
proposed building exists on the unit; |
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and, in addition, where
the above criteria are satisfied: |
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a. |
The siting, design, type
and colour of materials and landscaping would result in an acceptable
visual impact of the development in the countryside; |
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and |
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b. |
There would be no significant
adverse effects on the amenities of any nearby residential properties;
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and |
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c. |
Other Policies in this
Local Plan would be complied with. |
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For a new building, siting
within or adjoining an existing group of farm buildings will be sought
wherever possible. |
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Other Acceptable Land
Uses And New Ancillary Buildings In The Green Belt |
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POLICY GB28 |
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In the Green Belt, the Council
will accept outdoor sport, countryside recreation or other material
changes of use of land provided that: |
|
(i) |
The use maintains the open
character of the land in accordance with Green Belt principles and
does not conflict with the purposes of including land in the Green
Belt; |
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and |
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(ii) |
New ancillary buildings
should provide essential facilities for the proposed use. The applicant
must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Council that the size
of the facility proposed is no larger than absolutely essential for
the functioning of the proposed use; |
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and |
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(iii) |
Any new ancillary building
and associated car parking and servicing facilities should be small
and sited, designed and landscaped so as to be visually unobtrusive
in its open land setting; |
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and |
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(iv) |
The scale of development
should not generate traffic to a degree which would harm the open
rural character of the locality or adversely affect highway safety
in the vicinity of the application site; |
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and |
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(v) |
Proposals for floodlighting
will be refused, except where it can be demonstrated that they are
essential to the use of the land for outdoor sport or recreation or
other uses of land which preserve the openness of the Green Belt and
which do not conflict with the purposes of including land in it, and
that clauses 1(i) - (iii) of Policy R6 are complied with. |
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(vi) |
Policies LSQ1 to LSQ4 together
with Policies in the General Criteria Chapter and other Policies in
the Local Plan are complied with. |
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Re-Use Of Existing
Buildings In The Green Belt For Commercial, Industrial, Recreational
And Other Uses, Except Residential Uses Covered by Policies GB10 And
GB11 |
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POLICY GB29 |
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The re-use of existing buildings
in the Green Belt for commercial, industrial, recreational or other
uses (except residential uses covered by Policies GB10 or GB11) will
be permitted provided that: |
|
(1) |
it does not result in employment
generation on a significant scale contrary to Policy E5(a) of the
Buckinghamshire County Structure Plan |
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and |
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(2) |
it does not conflict with
Policy GB24 (concerning the loss of community facilities) or Policy
H9 (concerning the loss of residential buildings and land) |
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and |
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(3) |
it is not "inappropriate"
development. For the purposes of this Policy, development will not
be regarded as inappropriate if it complies with all of the following
criteria: |
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|
(i) |
it should be clearly demonstrated to
the Council by the applicant that the building has been substantially
complete and has existed for many years before the date on which the
application is made; |
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|
(ii) |
the building to be converted is of
permanent and substantial construction, and has a form, bulk and general
design in keeping with its surroundings. In connection with (i) above,
in any case where the Council considers that the existing building
has a significant adverse effect on the landscape in terms of visual
amenity and improvements to the external appearance of the building
would resolve this objection, proposed improvements should be included
in the conversion application or a condition to secure the requisite
improvements will be included in any planning permission granted.
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(iii) |
the building should be in sound structural
condition and the amount of new building work required to make the
building suitable for the proposed purpose should not involve such
substantial alterations and/or new building work as to amount to major
reconstruction or be tantamount to the construction of a new building.
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(iv) |
the Council must be satisfied that
the proposed use of the building would not have a materially greater
impact than the existing use on the openness of the Green Belt and
the purposes of including land in it. In this connection: |
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(a) no extensions will be permitted; |
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(b) there should be no evidence of
the proposed use outside the building which would conflict with the
openness of the Green Belt or damage rural character and visual amenity;
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|
(c) in development involving new building
work and/or construction of a vehicle parking area, the design, materials
and landscaping will be required to have no significant adverse visual
impact in the open countryside; |
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|
(d) the proposed use should not generate
traffic to a degree which would harm the open rural character of the
locality or adversely affect the safety of highway users in the vicinity
of the application site; |
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(v) |
there are no other planning objections
which cannot be overcome by attaching conditions to planning permission.
|
|
A condition relating to
the exclusion of "permitted development" rights under the provisions
of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order
1995, where applicable to the type of use proposed, will be imposed
on any planning permission granted. "Permitted development" rights
relating to the construction of new buildings on an agricultural holding
may also be withdrawn. |
|
This Policy relates to all
changes of use of existing buildings except those covered by Policies
GB10 and GB11. |
|
Other Policies in this Local
Plan should be complied with. |
|
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|
Conservation And Enhancement
Of Rural Landscape In Parts Of The Green Belt |
|
POLICY GB30 |
|
Where development would
be acceptable in accordance with other Policies in this chapter, it
will be permitted if it would be well integrated into its rural setting
and so conserve the scenic beauty and amenity of the landscape in
the locality of the development. In addition, where considered appropriate
and practicable by the Council, the development should provide for
the improvement of degraded landscape within the application site.
|
|
This Policy applies to all
land within the Green Belt which is not included within the Chilterns
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Area of Attractive Landscape,
Locally Important Landscape Areas and Parks and Gardens of Special
Historic Interest. |
|
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|
Provision Of Ancillary
Car Parking Facilities At Existing Non-residential Buildings In The
Green Belt |
|
POLICY GB31 |
|
Car Parking |
|
In the Green Belt, in connection
with existing non-residential buildings, the Council will accept the
provision of ancillary surface-level car parking provided that the
open rural character of the area is maintained, the development is
small-scale, no significant intensification of use results, and other
Policies in this Local Plan are complied with. |
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