ANGUS LOCAL PLAN REVIEW FINALISED PLAN - Angus Council

2.51 The development of new technologies, tourism projects andniche markets offer potential for innovative proposals that can assistin the diversification of the rural economy and create employmentthroughout rural Angus. There is also scope to develop integratedliving/working accommodation, where this accords with the housingpolicies in this Local Plan.2.52 In accordance with NPPG15 : Rural Development, new buildhousing is not considered to be an acceptable diversificationproposal. However, housing proposals which meet the countrysidehousing policies of this plan e.g. for farm building conversion may beacceptable.Policy SC16 : Rural EmploymentEmployment opportunities throughout rural Angus will besupported where they make a positive contribution to the ruraleconomy and are of a scale and nature appropriate to thelocation, including proposals that assist diversification of anexisting rural business.Tourism2.53 Tourism is a major source of income and employmentthroughout Angus. There is a need to extend and maintain both therange and quality of visitor attractions and accommodation to satisfyvisitor aspirations, but not at the expense of the environmentalqualities that attract people to Angus. Major tourism proposals will bemore easily accommodated in and around the Angus towns whilesmall-scale projects may be appropriate in rural and remote areas. Inparticular, remoter areas have the potential to benefit from smallscaleeco-tourism projects.2.54 The range and quality of accommodation is vital to developingtourism and extending the length of the tourist season. New build andconversions to provide growing and niche markets such asbunkhouses can add to choice of accommodation. Caravan andcamping sites form an important part of the local tourist industry,particularly along the coastal strip and in some parts of Strathmore.Chalet developments are generally regarded as less visually intrusivethan caravan parks and subject to meeting appropriate criteria theyshould be encouraged in suitable locations. It is important thatdevelopments are sensitively located and designed to provide qualityfacilities within the capacity of the environment and the local area.Policy SC17 : Tourism DevelopmentDevelopment proposals to provide new or improved touristrelated facilities/attractions and accommodation will bepermitted and encouraged where they:• improve the range and quality of visitor attractions andtourist facilities and/or extend the tourist season;• have no unacceptable detrimental effect on the locallandscape or rural environment;Angus Local Plan Review35Finalised Plan