Tracked Version of Core Strategy, November 2012 - Selby District ...

Selby District Submission Draft Core Strategy – May 2011
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Rural Diversification
Introduction
6.32 While most employment opportunities are concentrated in the
three towns, the rural nature of Selby District also gives rise to a
scattered distribution of settlements and associated employment
opportunities. The quality of agricultural land within the District
supports an agricultural industry of national importance, which will
continue to be supported. Nevertheless employment opportunities
within agriculture and associated employment have declined over
the years and are forecast to continue to decline. One objective of
the Strategy is to support rural regeneration by diversifying and
strengthening the rural economy.
6.33 Maintaining existing businesses and encouraging new businesses
helps diversify rural employment opportunities, maintain the
viability of smaller settlements and reduce the need for local
people to travel longer distances to work. Policy CP10 outlines the
principles for the location of new employment in rural areas, having
regard to the sensitive nature of the local environment.
Context
6.34 Rural regeneration remains a strategic planning priority. PPS4
(Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth), indicates that LDFs
should:
• Support diversification for business purposes that are
consistent in their scale and environmental impact with their
rural location while strictly controlling economic
development in open countryside away from existing
settlements.
• Support the conversion and re-use of appropriately located
and suitably constructed existing buildings in the
countryside.
• Seek to remedy any deficiencies in local shopping and other
facilities to serve peoples day to day needs and help
address social exclusion.
• Where appropriate support equine enterprises providing for
a range of suitably located recreational and leisure facilities
and the needs of training and breeding businesses that
maintain environmental quality and countryside character.
• Support the provision and expansion of tourist and visitor
facilities in appropriate locations where identified needs are
not met by existing facilities in rural service centres balance
against protecting landscapes and environmentally sensitive
sites.
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