Conversions practice guide (PDF - Lake District National Park

More documents

Recommendations

Info

What questions will we ask when we assess a conversion proposal? The key question we will ask when we assess applications for the conversion of buildings is “Does the proposal represent an appropriate reuse which would contribute towards achieving sustainable development?” In order to answer this question we will consider a number of factors which, amongst other things, may include: • How well related is the site to identified settlements, services and sustainable transport connections? • Would the proposal lead to an enhancement of the immediate setting of the building? • Would the development secure the future of a heritage asset? • Is the building structurally sound? • Would the development require major extensions or alterations? • Is the design appropriate? • Would the development affect protected species? • Would the development affect trees? • Are access arrangements acceptable? • Would the amenity of other properties be affected? Frequently asked questions... What factors might we consider when deciding whether the development is well related to settlements, services and sustainable transport connections? We consider this by taking account of our policies and material planning considerations. Our policies that are likely to be relevant include: • Policy CS02 achieving vibrant and sustainable settlements • Policy CS11 sustainable development principles • Policy CS14 sustainable transport Material planning considerations may include: • how far is the building from settlements, services and sustainable transport connections? • could the development be meaningfully and safely accessed by non-car travel? We will: • look less favourably on proposals which are isolated or remote from settlements, services and sustainable transport connections (compared to proposals in highly accessible locations). Why must the building be structurally sound? Policy CS02 and the <strong>National</strong> Planning Policy Framework strictly control new build housing development in the open countryside. <strong>Conversions</strong> are only permitted on the basis that the building is capable of conversion without rebuilding. In cases where a building is not structurally sound and capable of conversion without rebuilding, we will not normally support a scheme. If there is doubt about the structural condition of the building, we may require a structural survey to be provided. What factors might we consider when deciding whether the building makes a positive contribution to the
landscape and whether the development would lead to an enhancement of the immediate setting? We consider this by taking account of our policies and material planning considerations. Our policies that are likely to be relevant include: • Policy CS10 achieving design excellence • Policy CS25 protecting the spectacular landscape • Policy CS27 the acclaimed historic environment • Policy BE13 alterations and extensions to listed buildings • Policy C7 requirements for all conversions (Saved Local Plan policy) Material planning considerations may include: • how does the building relates to it’s landscape setting and what changes would result from conversion? • what is the landscape character – tranquillity, remoteness and wildness are more relevant than simply distance from settlements • is the proposal of a scale and nature appropriate to the character of the location? • what is the size, appearance, character, condition, and heritage of the building and how would the proposal affect these? • would the development secure the future of a building which makes a positive contribution to the landscape? • how does the building relate to other buildings and landscape features? We will: • take account of the high quality of the landscape and its sensitivity to change • base our assessment on the resulting enhancement and not simply the quality of the existing building • ensure proposals are well related to settlement pattern, existing houses and buildings, and are not truly isolated or remote • take particular interest in the circumstances if the building has only recently been constructed for another purpose Is there anything else to be aware of? Housing: The LDF Core Strategy has a priority for local needs and local affordable needs housing. All permissions will be in line with Policy CS18 housing provision and our Supplementary Planning Document – occupancy controls will be used. Employment: Buildings may be suitable for conversion to employment uses in accordance with Policy CS22 employment. Holiday letting: We will only permit holiday letting in accordance with Policy CS22a reuse of buildings for holiday letting accommodation. The circumstances in which a building may be not suitable for permanent accommodation will usually be site specific, for example lack of amenity or within a holiday complex.
Page 1 and 2: v Practice guidance: Conversions Ho
Page 3: NPPF: Sustainable development and t

Conversions practice guide (PDF - Lake District National Park

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?