Policy information sourced from the Bracknell Forest Local Plan 2024-2037 document.

LP 47: Dwellings for Rural Workers.

1. The construction of a new permanent or temporary rural worker’s dwelling will normally be permitted where all the following criteria are met:

  • the proposed dwelling is necessary to meet the accommodation needs of a full-time worker in agriculture, forestry or other businesses requiring a location outside of a defined settlement (including those taking majority control of a farm business); and,
    • where the proposal relates to a new permanent dwelling, the agricultural or forestry unit or the business activity has been established for a minimum of three years (at least one of which has been profitable) and is demonstrably financially sound, both at present and for the prospective future; or
    • where the proposal relates to a temporary dwelling, clear evidence of a firm intention and ability to develop a viable business is provided, including that the business has been planned for on a sound financial basis; and
  • provision on-site or in the immediate vicinity is essential for the operation of the business as evidenced by a genuine functional need; and,
  • no suitable accommodation exists or could be made available in established buildings on the site or elsewhere; and,
  • the proposal does not involve replacing a dwelling disposed of recently as general market housing; and,
  • the dwelling is appropriately located and is no larger than is required to meet the operational needs of the business; and,
  • the siting and landscaping of the new dwelling minimises the impact on the character and appearance of the area and causes no adverse impact on designated sites.

2. A temporary rural worker’s dwelling should take the form of a caravan or mobile home and will be permitted for no more than three years, after which the site should be restored. Permission will not be granted for the erection of a temporary rural worker’s dwelling in a location where a permanent rural worker’s dwelling would not be permitted.

3. Acceptable proposals will be, and all existing dwellings at the rural enterprise may be, subject to a condition or legal agreement tying occupancy and limiting use to the specific rural enterprise or adjacent farmland and buildings.

4. Consent for any new dwelling will be subject to conditions removing permitted development rights.

For further information, please visit Bracknell Forest’s Local Plan document here.