Alterations to Existing Buildings

including alterations to existing buildings and advertisements. Small changes to existing buildings can change the character and amenity of an area, either by themselves or cumulatively with other changes. It is therefore important that they are appropriately managed. Policy BN.14 Alterations to Existing Buildings This Policy should be read in conjunction with DS.12 Rural Housing and Policy EC.6- Town Centre Residential Uses. A. Conversions and Changes of Use As well as helping to reinforce a sense of place an local distinctiveness the conversion and/or of existing buildings is often a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach and will, therefore be encouraged. South Warwickshire’s existing housing stock will be managed and safeguarded as a vital resource. Proposals will not result in the net loss of dwellings through demolition, conversion or change of use unless there is a specific and overriding justification. B. Alterations and Modifications Alterations and modifications to existing buildings, including proposed extensions, will be of an appropriate scale and subservient in relation to the existing building, taking into account local character, the cumulative impacts of previous extensions and development on the site where appropriate, and seeking to minimise impacts on neighbouring amenity. C. Outbuildings Outbuildings, annexes, and ancillary buildings will be of an appropriate scale and subservient to the host building. Proposals should consider carefully the siting of any outbuilding, annexes or ancillary buildings within the plot, including taking into account local character, seeking to minimise impacts on neighbouring amenity and how and when the proposed building will be used. D. Replacement Dwellings Renovating existing dwellings is often a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach than replacing existing dwellings in their entirety. Where the existing dwelling is not considered suitable for retention, the replacement dwelling will be well sited in relation to the existing site and well designed in accordance with Policy DS.18 and not significantly larger than the dwelling it replaces. E. General Requirements When considering proposals under this policy regard will be had to relevant Design Codes and guidance issued by the Local Planning Authority along with other material considerations including the benefits of proposals to improve accessibility. BN.14 ~ Development Management Considerations Where a replacement dwelling is considered appropriate, the existing dwelling will have a lawful planning use as a dwelling and not have been demolished prior to the determination of the associated planning application and/or have been abandoned. Replacement dwellings should be sited within the lawful curtilage of the existing dwelling, unless significant environmental benefits would result. Policy Justification 7.4.2 The effective management of existing housing stock reduces the net loss of dwellings, impacting on overall housing need and the need to build new houses. Whilst the Councils will seek to resist changes of use from residential, there may be circumstances where the change of use is acceptable because it has a community benefit. Subject to satisfactory assessment of the impacts, the Council will support such changes of use. 7.4.3 Modifications to dwellings (such as extensions) and the replacement of dwellings can enable homeowners to realise the potential of their property, adapt their homes to changing needs and improve the quality of their lives without leaving their community. The Councils support such aspirations. At the same time, however, the Councils must ensure they strike an appropriate balance by also protecting the amenity of neighbouring residents, the character of the locality and by taking all other material planning considerations into account. 7.4.4 Conversion of existing buildings and dwellings can be an effective way of increasing housing supply and such sites could contribute to South Warwickshire’s housing requirement as part of the ‘windfall allowance’ . However, the impacts of intensification of use can also be significant, particularly on neighbouring properties in addition to wider community infrastructure. Such issues are important consideration s th