Proposed Main Modifications Schedule

MM212

Category/ Policy No./ Paragraph No.

Policy DC1

Modification

Policy DC1: Re-Use of Buildings in the Countryside

The Council will support the re-use of existing buildings in the countryside, subject to proposals complying with the following criteria:

• the existing building or group of buildings are of a permanent and substantial construction that is are capable of conversion as evidenced by a supporting structural survey;
• the re-use is sympathetic to the setting of the site within the countryside and would reinforce local distinctiveness and would not detract from local tranquillity;
• the re-use would be of high quality and lead to an enhancement of the immediate setting; and
• the proposed use is suitable and would not be of detriment to the existing communities.

The conversion of glass houses and/or polytunnels functional metal frames buildings to residential use will not be permitted.

Justification

Consequential change following proposed deletion of Tranquillity Policy and following discussion at Hearings.

MM213

Category/ Policy No./ Paragraph No.

Policy DC2

Modification

Policy D2: Replacement Dwellings in the Countryside

The Council will support the principle of replacement of existing dwellings in the countryside subject to proposals complying with the following criteria:

• there would be no net increase in the number of dwellings;
• the replacement dwelling is not disproportionately larger in height and scale and massing than the original unless the proposed dwellings would result in an improvement to the character of the area; and
• the replacement building is sympathetic to the setting of the site within the countryside and would reinforce local distinctiveness.

Relevant national and local policies will apply to developments within and outside the Green Belt.

Planning permission will not be granted for the replacement of temporary dwellings, mobile homes, caravans or other dwellings constructed of short life materials, with a permanent dwelling.

Justification

Internal to improve plan clarity

MM214

Category/ Policy No./ Paragraph No.

Policy DC3

Modification

Policy DC3: Rural Workers Dwellings

Permanent new dwellings for the use of rural agriculture and forestry workers will be supported in the countryside where:

1. there is a clearly established, existing functional need for agricultural, forestry and other full-time workers to live permanently at or near their place of work in the countryside;
2. the unit and the agricultural activity concerned have been established for at least three years, have been profitable for at least one year of them, are currently financially sound and have a clear prospect of remaining so;
3. the need could not be fulfilled by another existing dwelling on the unit, or any other existing accommodation in the area which is suitable and available or could be made suitable and available for occupation through conversion and change of use; and
4. the scale of the proposed dwelling is no larger than that required to meet the requirements of the enterprise.

The Council will consider favourably a temporary new dwelling if it is essential to support a new farming or forestry activity. The dwelling should meet the functional test above and/or be supported by a comprehensive business plan and should be:

5. only be provided for up to the first three years; and
6. be provided as by a caravan, a wooden structure which that can be easily dismantled or other temporary accommodation.

Where rural agricultural, forestry and other full-time worker dwellings are proposed in the Green Belt or, Chilterns AONB or the other relevant policies Green Belt, AONB policies will be applied in addition to the above.

Justification

For clarity, effectiveness and consistency with national planning policy.

MM215

Category/ Policy No./ Paragraph No.

Policy DC4

Modification

Policy DC4: Equestrian Development

Horse-related facilities and small-scale extensions to existing equestrian enterprises in the countryside will be supported subject to the following criteria:

1. New freestanding stables and provision for vehicle parking must be well screened from the surrounding countryside, should avoid adverse impact on the public rights of way network and must not interfere with the amenity of adjoining residents;
2. New buildings for indoor equestrian use will only be considered acceptable when located adjacent to existing buildings or where they are suitably screened suitable screening is existing or can be provided; by existing mature landscaping
3. Any proposals for equestrian development including jumps, schooling areas, floodlighting and new buildings/extensions will be considered in the context of the Landscape Character Assessment; and
4. The design, scale, siting and use of materials should respect the rural setting including biodiversity interests

Proposals which are located within close proximity to the bridleway network will be considered more favourably.

Additionally, proposals for larger scale private or commercial enterprises (comprising ten horses or more) can have severe highway impacts and will only be considered where the applicants can demonstrate the sustainable nature of their location by means of a traffic impact assessment.

Justification

For clarity and effectiveness

MM216

Category/ Policy No./ Paragraph No.

Policy DC5

Modification

Policy DC5: Agricultural Land

Other than for land that has been allocated within this Local Plan or previous development plans, development that would result in the significant loss of Grades 1, 2 and 3a agricultrual land will not be permitted. unless:.

Development that would result in the significant loss of Grades 2 and 3a agricultural land will only be permitted where not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that the location of the proposed development is necessary in order to provide a scheme that is of a valuable public benefit that Significant sustainability considerations which overrides the need to protect the land. can be demonstrated; and

Any development within these areas will need to be supported by an Agricultural Land Classification Assessment

• There are no suitable alternative sites which are available for the proposed development,

When considering the significance of the loss; the grade of the land, the size of the proposed site and the quantum of 'best and most versatile' land in the surrounding area will be taken into account.

Justification

Internal to improve plan clarity and the purpose of the policy.