Part One: Spatial Strategy and Policies

Policy DLP49 Green Belt 

1. In support of the Development Strategy (Policy DLP1) for the borough, a strong Green Belt will be maintained to promote redevelopment and regeneration within the urban area and provide easy access to the countryside where the landscape, visual amenity, nature conservation and outdoor sport and recreation value of the land will be protected and enhanced (where possible, and where in accordance with national and local planning policy).
    
2. The boundaries and extent of the Green Belt in Dudley Borough are shown on the Policies Map. Proposals for development within the Green Belt will be considered in accordance with national planning policy and guidance on this matter, and Policy DLP50. In accordance with national planning policy, there shall be a presumption against inappropriate development in the Green Belt, which should not be approved except in very special circumstances. Proposals will be expected to provide sufficient supporting information to enable an assessment against the national planning policy provisions for development within the Green Belt.

Policy DLP50 Agricultural and Rural Workers dwellings in the Green Belt  

1. If a new dwelling is proposed as essential to support a farming activity or other rural enterprise, whether on a newly-created agricultural unit or an established one, it should normally, for the first three years, be provided by temporary accommodation.
    
2. Any new permanent agricultural, forestry, horticulture or other essential rural workers dwellings will only be allowed if the following circumstances can be demonstrated;
   1. there is a clearly established existing functional need
   2. the need relates to a full-time worker, or one who is primarily employed in agriculture and does not relate to a part-time requirement
   3. the residential unit and the agricultural activity concerned have been established for at least 3 years, and can be clearly demonstrated to be an economically viable use
   4. the functional need could not be fulfilled by another existing dwelling at the planning unit, or any other existing accommodation in the local area which is suitable and available for occupation by the worker(s) concerned
   5. a dwelling which has served the holding has not recently been severed off or sold off from the holding
   6. the proposed dwelling is of a size and type commensurate with its established functional requirement.

3. Where temporary or permanent planning permission is granted, the Council will impose an Agricultural Occupancy Condition to ensure that the dwelling is used only for purpose of housing essential workers in accordance with this policy.