Policy H/DC: Dwellings in the countryside

This policy will set out the types of residential development that may be acceptable in the countryside outside of defined settlement boundaries.

Residential development is generally restricted in the countryside to avoid unsustainable development, but there are some types of residential development that need a countryside location.

The policy will have a number of sub-components each with its own requirements for the development to be acceptable, and it is proposed that these are carried forward from the South Cambridgeshire

Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

2018.

For replacement dwellings in the countryside, set out that they will only be permitted where their design quality, scale, and impact on the countryside and local character are consistent with other policies within the Local Plan, and where a replacement dwelling in the

A statutory designation for land around certain cities and large built-up areas, which aims to keep this land permanently open or largely undeveloped, the Green Belt has five purposes: checking the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas; preventing neighbouring towns from merging into each other; assisting in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment; preserving the setting and special character of historic towns and assisting in urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land. Specific Green Belt purposes have been set out for Cambridge.

is not materially larger than the one it replaces. Make clear that the replacement of caravans and mobile homes with permanent dwellings will not be permitted.

For extensions to existing dwellings in the countryside, set out that the extension must be in scale and character with the existing dwelling and must not materially change the impact of the dwelling on its surroundings. Also set out that where an original dwelling is subject to an occupancy condition, it must be demonstrated that the extension can be supported by the viability of the enterprise and that the cost of its occupation will not be unaffordable to workers that meet the occupancy condition.

For the reuse of buildings in the countryside, set out that the change of use and adaptation of redundant or disused buildings to residential use will be permitted where:

• the buildings are unsuitable for employment use, or it is demonstrated through marketing that there is no demand for their development for employment use,
• the buildings are structurally sound and are of permanent construction,
• there will be an enhancement to the immediate setting of the buildings,
• the form, bulk, design, landscaping and materials used in the change of use and adaptation are sensitive to the character and appearance of the building and locality, and
• there is a safe vehicular site access.

For dwellings to support rural businesses, set out that permanent dwellings will be permitted if it can be demonstrated that: there is a clear need for one or more workers to be readily available at most times, the enterprise has been established for at least three years and is financially viable, there is no other suitable or available accommodation within the site / holding, and the proposed dwelling is no larger than that required to meet the reasonable needs of the enterprise. Make clear that the new dwelling will be subject to an occupancy condition, and that the removal of the occupancy condition will only be permitted in specific circumstances. Set out when a temporary dwelling may be permitted.

For dwellings of exceptional quality in the countryside, set out that a single new bespoke dwellings of exceptional quality will be permitted provided that:

• the dwelling would reflect the highest standards in architecture and be recognised as truly outstanding or innovative,
• the dwelling would significantly enhance its immediate setting,
• the nature, size and design of the dwelling and site are sensitive to the defining characteristics of the local area and to wider views, and
• that there are no existing dwellings on the site capable of being replaced.