Development in the countryside outside the Green Belt

NE18: Development in the countryside outside the Green Belt 1. Within that portion of the countryside outside of the Green Belt, and subject to other relevant policies, developments will only be supported where it is for at least one of the following: a) Development that accords with a made Neighbourhood Plan. b) Development for agriculture and forestry, outdoor sports and recreation, and for cemeteries where there is an evidenced need. c) Additional buildings where these are required to support an existing rural enterprise or business located in the countryside, which are proportionate to the existing. d) The construction of additional buildings only within settlement built up areas. These also apply to any made neighbourhood plan settlement boundaries. e) Rural Exceptions Site housing. f) Sites for Gypsy, Traveller or Travelling Showpeople. g) Housing for rural workers. h) Extensions, outbuildings and alterations to existing dwellings. i) The conversion of existing buildings. j) The redevelopment of previously developed land, providing these respects the rural character of the surroundings and is of similar impact to the existing building or structure. k) Improvements/enhancements to support the Grand Union canal network, including moorings and water-based activities. 7.274 This policy implements the remaining aspects of the Housing Spatial Strategy. It applies to those areas of the countryside that are not in the Green Belt and are not otherwise allocated for development in this Plan. It reflects the general principles of other Policies in this Chapter which ensure that new development is located where it can contribute to sustainable development. It also supports the NPPF aim to avoid isolated new dwellings in the countryside. 7.275 This policy and the Housing Spatial Strategy also recognise that there will be some small housing sites that come forward that have not been allocated in this or other plan documents; these are known as windfall sites. The NPPF defines windfall sites as those that have not been specifically identified as available in the Development Plan. Not all locations, however, will be suitable or sustainable. This policy aims to make it clear that existing settlements are the most sustainable locations for new developments. Alongside this however the Council wishes to support the reuse of existing buildings. Many such proposals will be deemed Permitted Development, but only outside of the Chilterns National Landscape. This policy sets the criteria for considering in principle whether development in the countryside beyond the Green Belt is acceptable. 7.276 This policy aims to support rural enterprises and businesses located in the countryside, recognising the rural diversification they can provide (See Policy EC10). The policy recognises that any new development can have a positive impact on the local economy without any further significant impact on the countryside. This will ensure that the existing character is maintained whilst managing development appropriately in the countryside.