Knowsley Replacement Unitary Development Plan - Knowsley Council

GREEN BELT AND THE RURAL ECONOMY
GREEN BELT AND THE RURAL ECONOMY
9.37
Dwellings which have been previously demolished
are not “existing” and their replacement will
therefore not be permitted. The guidelines set by
this policy will also apply to building works which
enlarge or replace mobile homes and caravans (such
as those which exist in mobile home parks at
Halsnead and Halewood).
9.38
The requirements of this policy with regard to the
extension or alteration of dwellings will be covered in
the Council's Supplementary Planning Document
covering householder development.
POLICY LINKS
Policy ENV10
“Protection of Species”
Policy DQ1
“Design Quality in New Development”
POLICY G8:
AGRICULTURAL OR EQUESTRIAN DEVELOPMENT
1. Proposals for agricultural or equestrian
development should as a first preference
utilise existing buildings rather than
new buildings.
2. Where it is considered necessary to erect a
new building or carry out other development
associated with agricultural or equestrian
uses, the proposal will only be permitted if it
satisfies the following criteria:
a) Be sited and designed so as to have an
acceptable impact on the openness of
the Green Belt and the character of
the landscape;
b) The building is of a design which is
appropriate for its intended use, and
sympathetic to its surroundings in terms
of scale, materials, colour and
architectural detail;
c) Will not have a significant adverse impact
on the character or setting of local
settlements or the amenity of existing
residents in terms of its visual impact,
noise, smell and use.
d) Will not have a significant adverse impact
in terms of traffic generation.
e) Access and car parking provision is
satisfactory;
f) In appropriate cases, the proposal is
accompanied by a landscape scheme,
reflecting the landscape character of
the area;
g) In the case of structures of a temporary
nature being erected, the structure
would be removed on cessation of the
use intended.
3. In the case of equestrian development:
a) Regard will be had to the Countryside
Agency and British Horse Society
recommended standards for stabling,
and grazing;
b) New buildings for equestrian use
exceeding 65 square metres in floor area
will be considered inappropriate
development in the Green Belt and will
only be permitted in very special
circumstances; and
c) The site must be well related to the
existing or proposed bridleway network,
other off-road routes, or the proposal must
include works to provide new routes to
enable connections between the
development and other routes or places of
equestrian interest.
4. Any proposal for equestrian development
involving the overnight accommodation of
animals will only be permitted if the Council is
satisfied that there would be adequate security
supervision which will avoid the need for a new
dwelling to be constructed on or near the site.
EXPLANATION G8
9.39
Proposals for agricultural buildings or plant, or for
small-scale equestrian development are often
appropriate in principle in the Green Belt.
However, it is important to ensure they are not
detrimental to either the openness of the Green Belt
or to visual amenity. In considering the impact of a
proposal on the landscape, details should be submitted
not just of the development itself but also of associated
paraphernalia such as (in the case of equestrian
developments) any jumps or other equipment.
AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
9.40
Under current Permitted Development rights
(see glossary) for certain types of agricultural
development, planning permission needs to be
sought, or prior notification of intent needs to be
given. Changing agricultural practises brought about
by changes in hygiene and welfare legislation, the
European Union Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
reform, and changing requirements of the market
place may well result in the need for new
development. The Council wishes to ensure that such
development is sensitively located, and respects the
character of the area.
9.41
For any new agricultural development, proposals
should include details of any requirement for 24 hour
residential supervision. Where such a requirement is
identified, full details of how it is intended to provide
such accommodation must be provided at the outset.
EQUESTRIAN DEVELOPMENT
9.42
In recent years there has been a proliferation of pony
paddocks and horse related activities, especially in
urban fringe areas. The use of land for recreational
horse keeping can bring employment and economic
benefits, and offer an attractive way of exploring the
countryside, but it can also have a significant impact
on the countryside.
9.43
The keeping of horses can lead to the sub division of
fields, downgrading of pasture and a demand for new
buildings to provide shelter and accommodation.
Commercial riding establishments and livery yards
can amount to substantial developments with
stabling, flood-lit exercise areas, indoor riding
schools and, occasionally, demand for 24-hour
employee presence on site. The landscape can,
therefore, be fundamentally altered, leading to a loss
of visual amenity, and a change in the character of
the area, particularly when a number of such uses
are in close proximity. There can also be conflict
between motorised and non-motorised road users,
with a consequent impact on road safety.
9.44
In some cases, however, horse keeping can be a
positive force in maintaining traditional pastoral
landscapes, especially where there is a commitment
to good pasture management and boundary
maintenance. Equestrian activity which respects the
rural environment can help to diversify the rural
economy and is a traditional part of rural life.
Additionally, land used for grazing is usually
considerably more biodiverse than arable land.
9.45
The grazing of horses for recreational or agricultural
purposes generally lies outside planning control, but
associated development, such as horse shelters,
stables, and ménage and turn out areas, is normally
the subject of planning control.
9.46
To ensure that horse related development does not
result in overgrazing, proposals should indicate at
least 0.4 ha of grazing land for every horse within or
adjacent to the site where the horses will be kept.
This guideline is based on the advice of the British
Horse Society and of the Countryside Commission in
their booklet “Horses in the Countryside”. The
guideline will promote the interests of animal welfare
and prevent overgrazing of land, with resultant
detriment to the landscape.
108
KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006
KNOWSLEY REPLACEMENT UNITARY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Adopted June 2006
109