Part One: Spatial Strategy and Policies (Regulation 19)

Policy DLP50 Agricultural and Rural Workers dwellings in the Green Belt Comment

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.