Rural Economy

Rural Economy 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 economic development in the above rural locations will be supported in the circumstances set out below. All development proposals should: • Be of an appropriate scale to their location • Re-use existing buildings where possible • Not have an unacceptable impact on local roads • Exploit any opportunities to make the location more sustainable • Respect the character of the surrounding area A. Agricultural and Forestry Businesses 1. Conversion of building for business purposes subject to its location and character, including historic or architectural merit, being suitable for the proposed use and it having been in existence for at least ten years. 2. Redevelopment at similar scale of an existing building for business purposes, excluding holiday lets, where this would result in more effective use of the site. 3. Ensure that any new buildings are well related to the built form and scale of the agricultural business. 4. An extension to a business in its established location, particularly if it would be unreasonable to expect the business to relocate in order to expand. 5. A building or structure related to agriculture, horticulture and forestry where it is required for such purposes. 6. Farm-based business activities that would help to diversify and support the viability of agricultural operations. 7. New and extended nurseries 8. Equine and equestrian-related activities, wherever practicable using existing buildings and structures. B. Tourism and Leisure Businesses 1. Tourism, visitor accommodation and leisure-based uses, including sport and recreation, particularly those which would help to provide local employment and support rural services. 2. Purpose-built visitor accommodation that is directly associated with and related to the scale and nature of an existing use. 3. Expansion of an existing holiday caravan/chalet site where this would secure benefits to its function and appearance. 4. Golf courses, golf driving ranges and ancillary facilities. Proposals should also be considered alongside Policy EC.3, in particular. C. Other Businesses 1. Conversion of building for business purposes subject to its location and character, including historic or architectural merit, being suitable for the proposed use and it having been in existence for at least ten years. 2. Redevelopment at similar scale of an existing building for business purposes, excluding holiday lets, where this would result in more effective use of the site. 3. Small-scale expansion of an existing group of buildings uses, excluding holiday lets, where the site is readily accessible by means of transport other than the private car. 4. An extension to a business in its established location, particularly if it would be unreasonable to expect the business to relocate in order to expand. 5. New and extended garden centres and nurseries open to the public where the site is readily accessible by means of transport other than the private car. E. Proposals of Regional or National Significance Larger scale proposals that have a regional or national significance should be directed to suitable locations within the Core Opportunity Area and will be considered on their merits. Proposals outside of the Core Opportunity Area will need to demonstrate why the particular location is both suitable and necessary and that other locations have been suitably explored and discounted. Policy Justification 2.9.31 Rural businesses are recognised as a key part of South Warwickshire’s economy, and it is therefore vital that the continued function and expansion of rural businesses is appropriately supported by local planning policies. This includes supporting the diversification of existing agricultural businesses to ensure their viability and protect the national food supply chain. The South Warwickshire Employment Land Study (2026) identified that there are 91 'agri-tech' businesses within South Warwickshire supporting 1,610 jobs. The sub-sector is driven by rural businesses such as food production, farming, food processing, food logistics rather than high-technology companies. 2.9.32 The NPPF states that policies should create the conditions in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt, and that planning policies and decisions should enable the sustainable growth and expansion of all types of business in rural areas. The NPPF recognises that sites to meet local business and community needs in rural areas may have to be found adjacent to or beyond existing settlements, and in locations that are not well served by public transport. However, the use of previously developed