Report for Item 6 - Swale Borough Council

2.6 (Contd) PART 2
Policies E1 (SBLP) gives general guidance regarding design and amenity, the
protection of the natural environment, provide safe access, amongst others. Policy
E2 (SBLP) seeks to ensure that development does not harm human health,
residential amenity, flora and fauna and, rural areas by way of pollution. Policy E19
(SBLP) aims to achieve high quality design on all developments in the Borough by
providing development that is appropriate to its context in respect of scale, height
and massing.
Policy E6 (SBLP) seeks to protect the countryside of the Borough for its own sake by
restricting unnecessary development. Development proposal will only be permitted
where it is demonstrated to be necessary for agriculture among other criteria. Policy
E7 (SBLP) seeks to maintain the separation of settlements. Within the gaps
between the main settlements, planning permission will not be granted for
development that would result in the merging of settlements or, the encroachment or
piecemeal erosion of land or its rural open and undeveloped character or, prejudice
the Council’s strategy for the redevelopment of urban sites.
Policy E9 (SBLP) seeks to protect the quality and character of the Borough’s
landscape. Within Areas of High Landscape Value (AHLV), the priority is the
protection and enhancement if the integrity, character and local distinctiveness of
these Borough assets, whilst considering the needs of local communities.
Policy E15 (SBLP) notes that development affecting the setting or views from, or into
the conservation area, will preserve or enhance all features that contribute positively
to the area’s special character or appearance.
Policy B2 (SBLP) seeks to provide development for new employment within rural
areas in accordance with Policy RC1. Policy RC1 (SBLP) seeks to revitalise the
rural economy. Proposals that would help to diversify the rural economy, provide
new rural jobs and services will be permitted provided that: the proposal is of an
appropriate scale with its locality and the site retains its rural character, there is a
positive impact on, or no detriment to, landscape character, biodiversity or
countryside conservation, the use would not result in a significant increase in traffic
to the detriment of the character, quiet enjoyment or safety of lanes to and from the
site, maximum use is made of existing buildings and previously developed sites in
preference to development on Greenfield land.
Policy H2 (SBLP) notes that permission for new residential development will be
granted for sites within the defined built-up area boundaries. Outside of these area,
permission for new residential development will only be granted in accordance with
the exceptions to Policy E6 (demonstrated that necessary for agriculture) and RC3
(meeting rural housing needs).
Policy RC5 (SBLP) states that planning permission for agricultural and other
occupational dwellings in the countryside will be permitted provided: it is essential for
the proper functioning of the enterprise for one or more full-time workers to be readily
available at most times; that there is no available suitable dwelling in a nearby
settlement; the location, scale and design of the dwelling maintains or enhances
Continued . . .
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