Rural Housing

Policy DS.12 Rural Housing This policy applies to all locations outside of allocated sites and the defined Built-up Area Boundaries of settlements, as defined in Policy DS.8 and shown on the Policies Map. Proposals for residential development in the above rural locations will be supported in the circumstances set out below. A. Rural Exceptions Local communities are encouraged to bring forward proposals for affordable housing schemes which meet the needs of their communities in accordance with Policy HO.5 B. Self-Build and Custom-Build Housing Small scale schemes for self-build and/or custom-build housing to meet an identified need where the prospective occupier has the primary influence on the design, in accordance with Policy HO.12. C. Changes to Existing Buildings The following proposals will also be supported in principle where they relate to existing buildings: 1. Conversion and/or change to a residential use of a redundant or disused building in open countryside, constructed of brick or stone, that is Listed or of local historic, architectural or other merit. In such cases, residential should be the only viable use and the building should be capable of conversion in a manner that is appropriate to its character and setting. 2. A dwelling that forms part of the conversion of a building in open countryside where it is ancillary to a business and is necessary to ensure the efficient and secure operation of the business. 3. A replacement dwelling subject to its scale and design not causing inappropriate harm to the character of the area or to neighbouring properties. 4. Alterations and extensions to existing buildings in accordance with Policy BN.13 subject to their scale and design not causing inappropriate harm to the character of the area or to neighbouring properties. D. New Homes New homes will also be supported in principle in the following circumstances: 1. Redevelopment of a site for residential development where the current use has been the cause of prolonged environmental conflict. 2. A small-scale expansion of an existing lawful mobile or park home site, including Gypsy & Traveller site and Travelling Showpeople yard where this would secure benefits to its function and appearance. 3. A permanent dwelling for occupation by a person engaged in an agricultural operation or other form of use that can only reasonably be carried out in the countryside, subject to a functional need being established. 4. A new single dwelling in open countryside which is of exceptional quality and design and makes a positive contribution to the character of the local area.