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4. GREEN BELT
   
Policy GB1 Extent of the Green Belt in Chiltern District
Policy GB2 Development in General in the Green Belt
Policy GB3 Residential Development in General in The Green Belt Policy removed as from 28th September 2007
Policy GB4 Residential Development in the Green Belt within Existing Rows of Dwellings As Defined in the Proposals Map
Policy GB5 Residential Development in the Green Belt in Settlements As Defined on the Proposals Map
Policy GB6 Rebuilding or Replacement of an Existing Habitable Dwelling Located in the Green Belt in the Areas Defined in Policies GB4 and GB5
Policy GB7 Rebuilding or Replacement of an Existing Habitable Dwelling in the Green Belt Outside the Areas Defined in Policies GB4 and GB5
Policy GB8 Rebuilding or Replacement of a Derelict Dwelling or Replacement of a Caravan with a Dwelling in the Green Belt
Policy GB9 Static Residential Caravan Sites in the Green Belt Policy removed as from 28th September 2007
Policy GB10 Re-Use of an Existing Habitable Dwelling in the Green Belt As More Than One Residential Unit (Class C3)
Policy GB11 Re-Use of Existing Non-Residential Buildings in the Green Belt For Residential Use (Class C3)
Policy GB12 Extensions to Existing Dwellings and Self-Contained Residential Annexes (for relatives or domestic staff) in the Green Belt within the Policy Areas Defined in Policies GB4 and GB5
Policy GB13 Extensions to Existing Dwellings and Self-Contained Residential Annexes (for relatives or domestic staff) in the Green Belt Outside the Areas Defined in Policies GB4 and GB5
Policy GB14 Retention of a Self-Contained Residential Annex in the Green Belt Without Compliance with an Occupancy Condition Policy removed as from 28th September 2007
Policy GB15 Ancillary Residential Buildings Within the Curtilage of an Existing Habitable Dwelling in the Green Belt
Policy GB16 Extension of Residential Curtilages in the Green Belt
Policy GB17 Agricultural Workers Dwellings in the Green Belt
Policy GB18 Temporary Residential Accommodation for Agricultural Workers in the Green Belt Policy removed as from 28th September 2007
Policy GB19 Imposition of Agricultural Occupancy Conditions on Dwellings in the Green Belt
Policy GB20 Retention of a Dwelling in the Green Belt without Compliance with an Agricultural Occupancy Condition
Policy GB21 Dwellings for Other Essential Workers in the Green Belt Policy removed as from 28th September 2007
Policy GB22 Temporary Residential Accommodation for Other Essential Workers in the Green Belt Policy removed as from 28th September 2007
Policy GB22A Business, General Industrial and Storage or Distribution Development In the Green Belt
Policy GB23 Limited Infilling Including Local Community Facilities in the Green Belt In the Areas Defined in Policies GB4 and GB5, Except Development covered by Policies GB4, GB5, GB6, GB12 and GB15
Policy GB24 Redevelopment or Change of Use of Buildings Used for the Provision of Local Community Facilities in the Green Belt
Policy GB25 The Erection of Walls, Fences, Gates and Gate Piers Adjacent to a Public Highway in the Green Belt Policy removed as from 28th September 2007
Policy GB26 Protection of the Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land in the Green Belt From Irreversible Development Policy removed as from 28th September 2007
Policy GB27 New Agricultural Buildings, Extensions and Alterations to Existing Agricultural Buildings in the Green Belt, except Dwellings for Agricultural Workers
Policy GB28 Other Acceptable Land Uses and New Ancillary Buildings in the Green Belt Policy removed as from 28th September 2007
Policy GB29 Re-Use of Buildings in the Green Belt for Commercial, Industrial, Recreational and Other Uses, except Residential Uses Covered By Policies GB10 and GB11
Policy GB30 Conservation and Enhancement of Rural Landscape in parts of The Green Belt
Policy GB31 Provision of Ancillary Car Parking Facilities at Existing Non- Residential Buildings in the Green Belt Policy removed as from 28th September 2007
  Extent Of The Green Belt In Chiltern District
  POLICY GB1
  The extent of the Green Belt in Chiltern District is as defined on the Proposals Map.
  Development In General In The Green Belt
  POLICY GB2
  Most development in the Green Belt is inappropriate and there is a general presumption against such development. Development which is not inappropriate is set out in this Policy. Planning permission will be refused for inappropriate development in the Green Belt, but may be given for the categories of development set out in clauses (a) to (f) below.
  (a) New buildings which are reasonably required for agricultural or forestry purposes. "Agriculture" has the meaning given in section 336 (1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended):
  (b) New buildings to provide essential facilities for (i) outdoor sport and (ii) outdoor recreation; for (iii) cemeteries and for (iv) other uses of land which preserve the openness of the Green Belt and which do not conflict with the purposes of including land in it.
  (c) The limited extension, alteration or replacement of existing dwellings in accordance with Policies GB6, GB7, GB12, GB13 and GB15 in this Local Plan.
  (d) Limited infilling within the areas identified in Policies GB4 and GB5 in accordance with Policies GB4, GB5, GB22A and GB23 in this Local Plan.
  (e) Change of use of existing permanent and substantial buildings, in accordance with Policies GB10, GB11, GB22A and GB29.
  (f) Engineering and other operations and the making of material changes in the use of land (as distinct from buildings) which maintain openness and do not conflict with the purposes of including land in the Green Belt.
  The granting of planning permission is subject to other Policies in this Local plan being complied with.
  Residential Development In General In The Green Belt
  POLICY GB3
  Residential development in the Green Belt will not be permitted except as provided for in Policies GB2, GB4 to GB8 inclusive, GB10 to GB15 inclusive, GB17, GB18, and GB20 to GB22 inclusive.
  Residential Development In The Green Belt Within Existing Rows Of Dwellings As Defined On The Proposals Map
  POLICY GB4
  In the Green Belt, in existing rows of dwellings and other substantial buildings as defined on the Proposals Map, and as listed in this Policy, the Council will accept limited "infilling", where "infilling" is defined as follows:
  The construction of one or two dwelling(s) in a small gap in an existing row of dwellings and other substantial buildings, which form an otherwise fully developed frontage to a road, and
  i) the width of the development site is closely similar to the widths of existing adjoining sites as measured along the row of dwellings and other substantial buildings;
    and
  (ii) the curtilage for each dwelling is of a size and shape comparable to existing adjoining development;
    and
  (iii) the siting, scale and appearance of each dwelling is compatible with the character of existing dwellings in the vicinity of the development site.
  Policies GC1 and GC4 of the General Criteria Chapter and other Policies in this Local Plan should also be complied with.
   
  Conservation Areas
  On sites that are within a Conservation Area, the Conservation Area Policies in the Historic Heritage Chapter of this Local Plan should also be satisfied even if a development is acceptable under the criteria of this Policy.
  The following rows of dwellings and other substantial buildings have been identified in the Green Belt:
   
  Proposals Map Sheet No and Location
 
Sheet No 1:  
Area Road Name
Buckland Common Bottom Road/Browns Rise
Buckland Common Cherry Tree Lane
Buckland Common Cholesbury Lane, (2 rows)
Buckland Common Little Twye Road
Cholesbury Sandpit Hill Cottages
St Leonards Jenkins Lane
   
Sheet No 2B:  
The Lee Corner Wood Lane
   
Sheet No 3:  
Bellingdon Chesham Road
Chartridge Chartridge Lane
Chartridge Cogdells Lane
The Lee Lee Common
The Lee Sly Corner
The Lee Swan Bottom
Sheet No 4:  
Ashley Green Part of Village
Bellingdon Chesham Road (3 rows)
Sheet No 5:  
Whelpley Hill Northern part of village
Whelpley Hill Southern part of village
Sheet No 6:  
The Lee East of the Green
Sheet No 7:  
Ballinger Common
Hyde End Chesham Road
Sheet No 8:  
Asheridge Opposite Widmore Farm
Asheridge Widmore Close
Ashley Green Ashley Green Road
Bellingdon Chesham Road
Chesham Ashley Green Road,
Chesham Deer Park Walk, Lycrome Road
Chesham Lye Green Road
Chesham Pednor Road
Chesham Vale Road
Sheet No 9:  
Lye Green Lycrome Road
Orchard Leigh Rushmere Lane/Jasons Hill
Whelpley Hill Southern part of village
Sheet No 10:  
Great Missenden London Road / Rookwood Way
Prestwood Wycombe Road
Sheet No 11:  
Little Missenden Highmore Cottages
Little Missenden Village Centre
Sheet No 13:  
Latimer Parkfield Estate
Sheet No 14:  
Prestwood Peterley
   
Sheet No 15:  
Penn Street Whole village
Penn Street Chancellors Corner
   
Sheet No 16:  
Amersham London Road East
   
Sheet No 17:  
Amersham Cokes Lane (south)
Amersham London Road East
Little Chalfont Long Walk and Lodge Lane
   
Sheet No 18:  
Chenies Bedford Close and adjoining
Chenies Hillside
Chenies Red Lion Cottages and adjoining
   
Sheet No 19:  
Penn Church Road and Beacon Hill
Penn Pauls Hill
Winchmore Hill Opposite The Common
Winchmore Hill Whielden Lane
   
Sheet No 20:  
Coleshill Barracks Hill/Meadow Cottage Lane
Coleshill Chase Close
Coleshill Hill Meadow
Coleshill Magpie Lane
Coleshill The Bit
Coleshill Tower Road
Coleshill Village Road
   
Sheet No 23:  
Chalfont St Giles Three Households
Jordans Copse Lane and Beech Lane
Jordans Dean Wood Road
Seer Green Newbarn Lane
   
Sheet No 24:  
Chalfont St Giles Dibden Hill/Bowstridge Lane
Chalfont St Giles Narcot Lane
Horn Hill Roberts Lane
  Residential Development In The Green Belt In Settlements As Defined On The Proposals Map
  POLICY GB5
  In the Green Belt, within the areas of Nashleigh Hill/Lycrome Road (Chesham), Botley, Ley Hill, South Heath, Hyde Heath, Little Kingshill, Winchmore Hill and Jordans, whose boundaries are identified on the Proposals Map, the Council will accept limited residential development in the following circumstances:
  (a) limited "infilling" where the definition of "infilling" as set out in Policy GB4 is complied with;
    or
  (b) where the development site consists of a small parcel of land in existing authorised or established residential use which is totally or substantially enclosed by existing residential development, including dwellings and not just their curtilages.
  A small parcel will be regarded by the Council as having an area of not more than about 0.5 of a hectare, and the number of dwellings will be determined by the criteria set out in clauses (i) and (ii) below:
  (i) the curtilage for each dwelling should be of a size and shape comparable to existing surrounding development;
    and
  (ii) the siting, scale and appearance of each new dwelling should be compatible with the existing character of the settlement around the development, and, where appropriate, of a size and type to suit local housing needs.
  Policies GC1 and GC4 of the General Criteria Chapter and other Policies in this Local Plan should also be complied with.
     
  Conservation Areas
  On sites that are within a Conservation Area, the Conservation Area Policies in the Historic Heritage Chapter of this Local Plan should also be satisfied even if a development is acceptable under the criteria of this Policy.
  Rebuilding Or Replacement Of An Existing Habitable Dwelling Located In The Green Belt In The Areas Defined In Policies GB4 And GB5
  POLICY GB6
  In the Green Belt, within the areas defined in Policies GB4 and GB5, the Council will accept the rebuilding or replacement of an existing habitable dwelling provided that all of the following criteria are met:
  (i) the siting of the dwelling to be rebuilt or replaced is the same or similar to the siting of the existing habitable dwelling and the curtilage of the development site is the same as the curtilage of the dwelling to be rebuilt or replaced, or the criteria set out in clauses one and two of either Policy GB4 or GB5 can be met.
  (ii) Policies GC1 and GC4 of the General Criteria Chapter and other Policies in this Local Plan are complied with.
  (iii) On sites that are within a Conservation Area, the Conservation Area Policies in the Historic Heritage Chapter of the Local Plan should also be satisfied even if a development is acceptable under the criteria of this Policy.
  (iv) If the existing habitable dwelling is a Building of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, consent for demolition will be refused in accordance with Policy LB3.
  This Policy does not apply to caravans.
  Rebuilding Or Replacement Of An Existing Habitable Dwelling In The Green Belt Outside The Areas Defined In Policies GB4 And GB5
  POLICY GB7
  In the Green Belt outside the areas defined in Policies GB4 and GB5, the rebuilding or replacement of an existing habitable dwelling will be acceptable in principle providing the new dwelling is not materially larger than that to be demolished after taking into account any extension that could have been built as "permitted development" by virtue of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995.
  If the "permitted development" allowance is taken into account and a dwelling with a larger gross floorspace than previously existed is permitted, a condition excluding "permitted development" as defined in Classes A and B of Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 will be included in any planning permission granted.
  The new dwelling should not be more intrusive in the landscape than the one to be demolished.
  Other Policies in this Local Plan should be complied with.
  If the existing habitable dwelling is a Building of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, consent for demolition will be refused in accordance with Policy LB3.
  This Policy does not apply to caravans.
  Where permission is granted for a replacement dwelling, a condition will usually be imposed requiring that the existing dwelling should be demolished before the construction of the new dwelling is commenced.
  Where it appears to the Council that an existing dwelling may have some historical interest which could make it worthy of addition to the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, before granting planning permission the Council will expect the applicant to provide a Certificate from the Secretary of State for the Environment that the building is not intended to be listed. If the building is added to the Statutory List, consent for demolition will be refused in accordance with Policy LB3 and a replacement dwelling will also be refused.
  Rebuilding Or Replacement Of A Derelict Dwelling Or Replacement Of A Caravan With A Dwelling In The Green Belt
  POLICY GB8
  In the Green Belt, any proposal to rebuild or replace a derelict dwelling, or build on the site of a former dwelling that has already been demolished, will be considered on the same basis as a proposal to build a new dwelling on a new site.
  Planning permission will be refused unless there is justification for it in accordance with any of the other Policies in this Chapter.
  The Council will not permit the replacement of a caravan with a dwelling, except as provided for in Policy GB17 or Policy GB21 or in the Policy GB4 or GB5 areas on a site where the criteria for a new dwelling as set out in those Policies would be met.
  Static Residential Caravan Sites In The Green Belt
  POLICY GB9
  In the Green Belt, planning permission will not be granted for any proposal to create a new static residential caravan site, or to enlarge the area of an existing site.
  Re-Use Of An Existing Habitable Dwelling In The Green Belt As More Than One Residential Unit (Class C3)
  POLICY GB10
  In the Green Belt, except in the areas defined in Policies GB4 and GB5, a proposal for the re-use of an existing habitable dwelling as more than one residential unit will be regarded as not inappropriate and w ill be permitted w here all of the following criteria are met:
  (i) The proposed development would not have a materially greater impact than the present use on the openness of the Green Belt and the purposes of including land in it.
  (ii) The existing building will remain substantially unaltered externally.
  (iii) There should be no increase in the number of buildings within the curtilage or grounds of the building.
  (iv) The curtilage or grounds of the building should be maintained as part of the rural setting of the application site.
  (v) The number of units proposed should not generate traffic to a degree which would harm the openness or rural character of the locality or adversely affect highway safety in the vicinity of the application site.
  (viii) There are no other planning objections which cannot be overcome by attaching conditions to planning permissions.
  Where the proposed development would involve the creation of a dwellinghouse, a condition excluding "permitted development" in Classes A-G of Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order, 1995 will be included in any planning permission granted.
  A condition excluding "permitted development" in Classes A and B of Part 2 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning ( General Permitted Development) Order, 1995 will be included in any planning permission granted.
  This Policy relates to uses within Class C 3 of the Town & Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987.
  This Policy does not apply to those areas defined in Policies GB4 and GB5. In such areas, Policy H7 of the Housing Chapter will be applicable.
  Other Policies in this Local Plan should also be complied with.
  Re-Use Of Existing Non-Residential Buildings In The Green Belt For Residential Use (Class C3)
  POLICY GB11
  Subject to:
  1. there being no conflict with Policy GB24,
    and
  2. the building to be converted not being in business, general industrial or storage or distribution use as defined in Policy E1,
  the Council will regard a proposal to re-use a non-residential building in the Green Belt as residential accommodation as not inappropriate development and will permit it where one or other of the following situations is applicable and the stated criteria are met:
  (a) the building is a statutory listed building of special architectural or historic interest and the conversion to residential use would facilitate its retention but would not harm its special interest;
    or
  (b) the building is not a statutory listed building, but it is of permanent and substantial construction and has a form , bulk and general design in keeping with its surroundings.
    In connection with (b) above, in any case where the Council considers that the existing building has a significant adverse effect on the landscape in terms of visual amenity and improvements to the external appearance of the building would resolve this objection, proposed improvements should be included in the conversion application, or a condition to secure the requisite improvements will be included in any planning permission granted.
    and
  In either of the above cases, all of the following criteria are complied with:
  (i) it should be clearly demonstrated to the Council by the applicant that the building was substantially completed at least 10 years before the date of the application.
  (ii) the building is not in a derelict condition at the time of determining the planning application, and, the Council is satisfied, by means of a structural survey submitted by the applicant carried out by a suitably qualified person, that the building is structurally sound. Also the amount of new building work required to make the building suitable for residential use should not involve such substantial alterations or new building work as to amount to major reconstruction or be tantamount to the construction of a new building.
  (iii) the Council must be satisfied that the proposed residential use would not have a materially greater impact than the existing use on the openness of the Green Belt and the purposes of including land in it. In this connection:
    (a) no extensions will be permitted,
      and
    (b) there should be no increase in the number of buildings within the proposed curtilage or grounds of the proposed dwelling.
      and
    (c) there are no other planning objections which cannot be overcome by attaching conditions to the planning permission.
  Where the proposed re-use would involve the creation of a dwellinghouse, a condition excluding "permitted development" as defined in Classes A to G of Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order, 1995 w ill be included in any planning permission granted.
  A condition excluding "permitted development" in Classes A and B of Part 2 of Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order, 1995 will be included in any planning permission granted.
   
  Conversion of Agricultural Buildings
  Where permission is granted for conversion of an agricultural building the Council may impose a condition withdrawing permitted development rights for new farm buildings on the holding, or adjacent to the existing building.
  This Policy applies to uses within Class C3 of the Town & Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987.
  Other Policies in this Local Plan should also be complied with.
  Extensions To Existing Dwellings And Self- Contained Residential Annexes (for relatives or domestic staff) In The Green Belt Within The Policy Areas Defined In Policies GB4 And GB5
  POLICY GB12
  The Council will permit extensions to dwellings situated within the policy areas relating to Policies GB4 and GB5, as defined on the Proposals Map, providing that Policies H13 to H17 (inclusive) and other Policies in the Local Plan are complied with and subject to the third clause of this Policy.
  In the case of a self-contained residential annexe, Policy H19 will also apply.
  Any extension to a dwelling, or a detached self-contained residential annex in the curtilage of a dwelling, which is sited on the edge of a settlement and which significantly extends built-form into the adjoining open land will not be permitted, particularly where the extension or detached annex is also visually intrusive in the open countryside setting.
  Extensions To Existing Dwellings And Self- Contained Residential Annexes (for relatives or domestic staff) In The Green Belt Outside The Areas Defined In Policies GB4 And GB5
  POLICY GB13
  In the Green Belt outside the areas relating to Policies GB4 and GB5, as defined on the Proposals Map, the Council will permit extensions to dwellings which:
  (a) are subordinate to the size and scale of the original dwelling.
    and
  (b) are not intrusive in the landscape.
    and
  (c) comply with Policies H13 - H17 inclusive and any other Policies in this Local Plan.
  In cases where there have been one or more previous extensions, the cumulative effect on the size and scale of the original dwelling will be taken into account in accordance with criteria (a), (b) and (c) above.
  "Original" means, in relation to a building existing on 1st July 1948, as existing on that date and, in relation to a building built on or after 1st July 1948, as so built.
   
  Self-contained residential annexes
  In the case of an extension which comprises a self-contained residential annex the following criteria will also be applied:
  (i) in most cases the annex should be in the form of an extension to the existing dwelling with access to that dwelling via an internal doorway;
    or, alternatively,
  (ii) the creation of a self-contained annex in a building detached from the main dwelling will only be acceptable where it involves the conversion of a suitable existing outbuilding of substantial construction and modest size, without the need for a significant extension to it or any replacement building for the outbuilding to be converted, and, the applicant must clearly demonstrate to the Council's satisfaction that the outbuilding was substantially completed at least 10 years before the date on which the planning application to convert it is made,
    and
    in the case of either (i) or (ii),
  (iii) the criteria contained in Policies H13 to H17 (inclusive) should be complied with;
    and
  (iv) the Council must be satisfied that there would be a reasonable means of preventing the annex from being occupied as a separate dwelling unit.
  Retention Of A Self-Contained Residential Annex In The Green Belt Without Compliance With An Occupancy Restriction
  POLICY GB14
  The Council will not grant planning permission for the retention of a self-contained residential annex in the Green Belt without compliance with a restriction which has been imposed to limit its occupancy to relatives or persons employed at the main dwellinghouse on the application site in such capacities as gardener, chauffeur or domestic staff, and the dependents of such persons.
  Ancillary Residential Buildings Within The Curtilage Of An Existing Habitable Dwelling In The Green Belt
  POLICY GB15
  In the Green Belt, the Council will, in general, permit the construction or extension of ancillary non-habitable buildings within domestic curtilages where these buildings are separate from a main dwelling eg., a detached garage provided that such buildings are both small and also subordinate in scale to the original dwelling. Such developments will be considered on their merits, principally of siting, design, external appearance, location in relation to the existing dwelling and its surroundings and the impact on the landscape rather than on specific Green Belt policy considerations.
  In particular, the criteria contained in Policies H13 to H17 (inclusive) must be complied with as appropriate to the development proposed.
  "Original" means, in relation to a building existing on 1st July 1948, as existing on that date and, in relation to a building built on or after 1st July 1948 as so built.
  Extension Of Residential Curtilages In The Green Belt
  POLICY GB16
  Planning Permission will not be granted for the extension of an existing residential curtilage onto land in the Green Belt that is in non-residential use.
  Agricultural Workers' Dwellings In The Green Belt
  POLICY GB17
  In the Green Belt, a new agricultural dwelling will only be acceptable where it can be demonstrated that it is essential to the operation of an established agricultural holding. In this connection the Council will follow the advice in Annex I of PPG7 (Revised) "The Countryside - Environmental Quality and Economic and Social Development". Where the need for a dwelling has been proven to the satisfaction of the Council, it should be sited within an established settlement or group of buildings in open countryside which is accessible to the holding. If this is not possible, the dwelling should be sited amongst existing farm buildings. In the event that this is not practicable, the dwelling should be sited in a position which is not prominent in the landscape. A dwelling sited in an exposed position will not be accepted. The dwelling should be no larger than is necessary to accommodate a worker and his or her immediate dependents.
  In this Policy "agriculture" has the meaning set out in Section 336 (1) of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1991.
  Temporary Residential Accommodation For Agricultural Workers In The Green Belt
  POLICY GB18
  In the Green Belt, the Council will only grant planning permission for temporary residential accommodation to enable a fully operational holding to be established, which, when established, will require a permanent dwelling. In this connection the Council will follow the advice in Annex I of PPG7 (Revised) "The Countryside - Environmental Quality and Economic and Social Development".
  Imposition Of Agricultural Occupancy Conditions On Dwellings In The Green Belt
  POLICY GB19
  In those cases where the Council decides that a dwelling in the Green Belt is necessary for the appropriate management of a farm holding, the planning permission will be made subject to a condition restricting its occupation to a person solely or mainly employed, or last employed locally in agriculture or a dependent or widow or widower of such a person.
  Retention Of A Dwelling In The Green Belt Without Compliance With An Agricultural Occupancy Condition
  POLICY GB20
  The Council will only grant planning permission for the occupation of a dwelling in the Green Belt without compliance with an agricultural occupancy condition where it can be convincingly demonstrated to the Council that there is no current or longer term requirement for an agricultural worker's dwelling on the particular holding or to meet the needs of the local agricultural community.
  Current requirements will be examined by reference to Annex E of PPG7 (Revised) - The Countryside and the Rural Economy.
  In establishing whether there is a longer term need for an agricultural dwelling:
  (i) the Council will have regard to the number of planning applications received within the last 5 years for new agricultural dwellings on the particular holding or within an 8 kilometre (5 miles) radius of it;
    and
  (ii) the Council will require that a marketing exercise aimed at the agricultural community should be carried out including the following:
    (a) The exercise should be over a period of at least two years immediately before the application is made, giving reasonable publicity,
      and
    (b) The dwelling should be offered for sale or rent at a price that reflects the value of the property with the occupancy condition restricting its usage and the ability of an agricultural worker on average agricultural earnings or any other person who satisfies the agricultural occupancy condition, to purchase or rent the dwelling.
  Dwellings For Other "Essential" Workers In The Green Belt
  POLICY GB21
  Planning permission for a dwelling in the Green Belt for occupation by other categories of "essential" workers and their immediate dependents will only be given in the following circumstances, all of which should apply:
  (i) the land use to which the dwelling is related is of a type which is an acceptable use in the Green Belt in accordance with Policy GB28, is existing, soundly based and can be shown to be economically viable;
  (ii) it has been demonstrated by the applicant that the dwelling is essential to the functioning of the planning unit to which it is related and that without it the land use could not continue;
  (iii) it has been demonstrated by the applicant that it is essential that the dwelling is sited on the planning unit;
  (iv) there is no existing building suitable for conversion on the planning unit;
  (v) the new dwelling is sited so as not to harm the open rural character of the countryside. The siting should be in close association with other buildings where these exist or are proposed;
  (vi) the Council must be satisfied that there is a reasonable means of preventing separation of the dwelling from the planning unit and restricting occupancy to the "essential" worker and his or her dependents, and that this has been secured before planning permission is granted;
  (vii) the dwelling should be no larger than is absolutely necessary to accommodate a worker and his or her dependents;
    and
  (viii) other Policies in this Local Plan are complied with.
  Temporary Residential Accommodation For Other "Essential" Workers In The Green Belt
  POLICY GB22
  In the Green Belt, the Council will only grant planning permission for temporary residential accommodation for other "essential" workers engaged in acceptable Green Belt uses to enable a fully viable enterprise to be established which, when established, will require a permanent dwelling.
  Business, General Industrial and Storage or Distribution Development in the Green Belt
  POLICY GB22A
  1. In the Green Belt planning permission for development for business, general industrial or storage or distribution purposes will only be granted on sites which:
  a) constitute "limited infilling" in compliance with Policy GB23 in the areas defined in Policies GB4 and GB5 and are currently used or were last used for business, general industrial or storage or distribution purposes where the use is authorised or otherwise lawful;
    or
  b) are existing buildings for which re-use is proposed which would comply with Policy GB29;
    or
  c) are in accordance with the criteria in Policy GB2(f) and are currently used or were last used for business, general industrial or storage or distribution purposes where the use is authorised or otherwise lawful;
    and,
    in all of the above cases other Policies in this Local Plan are complied with.
  2. Development for any purpose other than business, general industrial or storage or distribution will not be permitted on any site in the Green Belt which is currently used, or was last used, for business, general industrial or storage or distribution purposes.
  3. The terms "business", "general industrial" and "storage or distribution" are as defined in Part B of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987.
  4. For the purpose of this Policy, the Council will consider carefully the precise nature of a sui-generis use and if its main purpose and function is closely similar to uses in Classes B1, B2 or B8, the Council will treat the development proposals as falling within the scope of Part B.
  Limited Infilling Including Local Community Facilities In The Green Belt In the Areas Defined In Policies GB4 And GB5 (Except Development Covered By Policies GB4, GB5, GB6, GB12 And GB15)
  POLICY GB23
  Definition of Limited Infilling
  Limited infilling is defined as new buildings, extensions or alterations to existing buildings and replacement buildings, but does not include development covered by Policies GB4, GB5, GB6, GB12 and GB15.
   
  New Buildings
  The Council will permit infilling comprising new buildings in the Green Belt in the areas defined on the Proposals Map for Policies GB4 and GB5 provided that all of the following criteria are met:
  (i) In a Policy GB4 area, the development should be located in a small gap in an existing row of dwellings, which form an otherwise fully developed frontage to a road,
    or
  (ii) In a Policy GB5 area, the development should be located either in accordance with (i) above, or, where the development site consists of a small parcel of land in existing authorised or established use which is totally or substantially enclosed by existing buildings and not just their curtilages.
    A small parcel will be regarded by the Council as having an area of not more than about 0.5 of a hectare.
    and
    In both Policy GB4 and GB5 areas:
  (a) Any proposed development sited on the edge of a settlement which significantly extends built form into the adjoining open land will not be permitted, particularly where the development is also visually intrusive in the open countryside setting.
  (b) The design of the proposed development and its relationship with existing development in the vicinity, should be satisfactory and in particular Policies GC1, GC2, GC3, GC4, TR2, TR3 and TR16 in this Local Plan should be complied with.
     
  Extensions or Alterations To Existing Buildings
  The Council will permit extensions to buildings situated within the policy areas relating to Policies GB4 and GB5, as defined on the Proposals Map, providing that Policies GC1 - GC3 (inclusive) and other Policies in the Local Plan are complied with.
  Any extension to a building sited on the edge of a settlement which significantly extends built-form into the adjoining open land will not be permitted, particularly where the extension is also visually intrusive in the open countryside setting.
   
  Replacement Buildings
  With regard to replacement buildings, in the areas defined on the Proposals Map for Policies GB4 and GB5, the Council will permit replacement buildings provided that the criteria in Policy GB6 are complied with.
   
  All "Infilling"
  Where new buildings, extensions or alterations to existing buildings and replacement buildings are proposed, Policy GB22A and other Policies in this Local Plan should be complied with.
   
  Conservation Areas
  On sites that are within a Conservation Area, the Conservation Area Policies in the Historic Heritage Chapter of this Local Plan should also be satisfied even if a development is acceptable under the criteria of this Policy.
  This Policy does not relate to material changes of use of buildings, which are the subject of Policies GB10, GB11, and GB29.
  This Policy applies to any facility which serves the local community within which it is located and which may also serve adjoining villages, but does not relate to the provision of new buildings, extensions or replacement buildings for sports facilities.
  Redevelopment Or Change Of Use Of Buildings Used For The Provision Of Local Community Facilities In The Green Belt
  POLICY GB24
  In the Green Belt the Council will not allow the redevelopment or change of use of a building or land which is in use, or was last used for, local community purposes as defined in Policy GB23, unless:
  (i) a replacement building or land can be provided in an equally convenient location that complies with Policy GB23;
    or
  (ii) it can be demonstrated to the Council that the facility is no longer required for any other community use in the village and adjoining area where the facility is located.
  The Erection Of Walls, Fences, Gates And Gate Piers Adjacent To A Public Highway In The Green Belt
  POLICY GB25
  The Council will permit the erection of walls, fences, gates and gateposts/piers adjacent to a public highway in the Green Belt provided that all of the following criteria are met:
  (i) the openness of the Green Belt is maintained and there is no conflict with the purposes of including land within it.
  (ii) the height, external appearance and materials should not be visually intrusive in the street scene or countryside setting;
  (iii) there is no obstruction to forward visibility;
    and
  (iv) vision splays can be provided in accordance with Policy TR3.
  Protection Of The Best And Most Versatile Agricultural Land In The Green Belt From Irreversible Development
  POLICY GB26
  In the Green Belt, the Council will protect the best and most versatile agricultural land from irreversible loss by refusing any development which would result in such loss.
  The best and most versatile agricultural land is defined as land classified as Grade 1, 2 or 3a in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Agricultural Land Classification System.
  New Agricultural Buildings, Extensions And Alterations To Existing Agricultural Buildings In The Green Belt (Except Dwellings For Agricultural Workers)
  POLICY GB27
  In the Green Belt, planning permission will be given for a new agricultural building, or an extension or alteration to an existing agricultural building provided that all of the following criteria are met:
  1. It has been demonstrated by the applicant that the proposed building or extension is reasonably required for the functioning of the agricultural enterprise on the unit on which it would be located;
  2. That the unit is established, or that the proposed building would enable a fully operational enterprise and unit to be established;
  3. No other building which could be used or reasonably converted for use for the purpose of the proposed building exists on the unit;
    and, in addition, where the above criteria are satisfied:
  a. The siting, design, type and colour of materials and landscaping would result in an acceptable visual impact of the development in the countryside;
    and
  b. There would be no significant adverse effects on the amenities of any nearby residential properties;
    and
  c. Other Policies in this Local Plan would be complied with.
  For a new building, siting within or adjoining an existing group of farm buildings will be sought wherever possible.
  Other Acceptable Land Uses And New Ancillary Buildings In The Green Belt
  POLICY GB28
  In the Green Belt, the Council will accept outdoor sport, countryside recreation or other material changes of use of land provided that:
  (i) The use maintains the open character of the land in accordance with Green Belt principles and does not conflict with the purposes of including land in the Green Belt;
    and
  (ii) New ancillary buildings should provide essential facilities for the proposed use. The applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Council that the size of the facility proposed is no larger than absolutely essential for the functioning of the proposed use;
    and
  (iii) Any new ancillary building and associated car parking and servicing facilities should be small and sited, designed and landscaped so as to be visually unobtrusive in its open land setting;
    and
  (iv) The scale of development should not generate traffic to a degree which would harm the open rural character of the locality or adversely affect highway safety in the vicinity of the application site;
    and
  (v) Proposals for floodlighting will be refused, except where it can be demonstrated that they are essential to the use of the land for outdoor sport or recreation or other uses of land which preserve the openness of the Green Belt and which do not conflict with the purposes of including land in it, and that clauses 1(i) - (iii) of Policy R6 are complied with.
  (vi) Policies LSQ1 to LSQ4 together with Policies in the General Criteria Chapter and other Policies in the Local Plan are complied with.
  Re-Use Of Existing Buildings In The Green Belt For Commercial, Industrial, Recreational And Other Uses, Except Residential Uses Covered by Policies GB10 And GB11
  POLICY GB29
  The re-use of existing buildings in the Green Belt for commercial, industrial, recreational or other uses (except residential uses covered by Policies GB10 or GB11) will be permitted provided that:
  (1) it does not result in employment generation on a significant scale contrary to Policy E5(a) of the Buckinghamshire County Structure Plan
    and
  (2) it does not conflict with Policy GB24 (concerning the loss of community facilities) or Policy H9 (concerning the loss of residential buildings and land)
    and
  (3) it is not "inappropriate" development. For the purposes of this Policy, development will not be regarded as inappropriate if it complies with all of the following criteria:
    (i) it should be clearly demonstrated to the Council by the applicant that the building has been substantially complete and has existed for many years before the date on which the application is made;
    (ii) the building to be converted is of permanent and substantial construction, and has a form, bulk and general design in keeping with its surroundings. In connection with (i) above, in any case where the Council considers that the existing building has a significant adverse effect on the landscape in terms of visual amenity and improvements to the external appearance of the building would resolve this objection, proposed improvements should be included in the conversion application or a condition to secure the requisite improvements will be included in any planning permission granted.
    (iii) the building should be in sound structural condition and the amount of new building work required to make the building suitable for the proposed purpose should not involve such substantial alterations and/or new building work as to amount to major reconstruction or be tantamount to the construction of a new building.
    (iv) the Council must be satisfied that the proposed use of the building would not have a materially greater impact than the existing use on the openness of the Green Belt and the purposes of including land in it. In this connection:
      (a) no extensions will be permitted;
      (b) there should be no evidence of the proposed use outside the building which would conflict with the openness of the Green Belt or damage rural character and visual amenity;
      (c) in development involving new building work and/or construction of a vehicle parking area, the design, materials and landscaping will be required to have no significant adverse visual impact in the open countryside;
      (d) the proposed use should not generate traffic to a degree which would harm the open rural character of the locality or adversely affect the safety of highway users in the vicinity of the application site;
    (v) there are no other planning objections which cannot be overcome by attaching conditions to planning permission.
  A condition relating to the exclusion of "permitted development" rights under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995, where applicable to the type of use proposed, will be imposed on any planning permission granted. "Permitted development" rights relating to the construction of new buildings on an agricultural holding may also be withdrawn.
  This Policy relates to all changes of use of existing buildings except those covered by Policies GB10 and GB11.
  Other Policies in this Local Plan should be complied with.
  Conservation And Enhancement Of Rural Landscape In Parts Of The Green Belt
  POLICY GB30
  Where development would be acceptable in accordance with other Policies in this chapter, it will be permitted if it would be well integrated into its rural setting and so conserve the scenic beauty and amenity of the landscape in the locality of the development. In addition, where considered appropriate and practicable by the Council, the development should provide for the improvement of degraded landscape within the application site.
  This Policy applies to all land within the Green Belt which is not included within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Area of Attractive Landscape, Locally Important Landscape Areas and Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest.
  Provision Of Ancillary Car Parking Facilities At Existing Non-residential Buildings In The Green Belt
  POLICY GB31
  Car Parking
  In the Green Belt, in connection with existing non-residential buildings, the Council will accept the provision of ancillary surface-level car parking provided that the open rural character of the area is maintained, the development is small-scale, no significant intensification of use results, and other Policies in this Local Plan are complied with.
   
   
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