Permanent new dwellings for the use of rural workers will be supported in the countryside where:

1. There is a clearly established, existing functional need for agricultural, forestry and other full-time workers to live permanently at or near their place of work in the countryside;

2. The unit and the agricultural activity concerned have been established for at least three years, have been profitable for at least one year, are currently financially sound and have a clear prospect of remaining so;

3. The need could not be fulfilled by another existing dwelling on the unit, or any other existing accommodation in the area which is suitable and available or could be made suitable and available for occupation through conversion and change of use; and

4. The scale of the proposed dwelling is no larger than that required to meet the requirements of the enterprise.

The Council will consider favourably a temporary new dwelling if it is essential to support a new farming or forestry activity. The dwelling should meet the functional test above and/or be supported by a comprehensive business plan and should:

5. Only be provided for up to three years; and

6. Be provided as a caravan, a wooden structure that can be easily dismantled, or other temporary accommodation.

Where rural worker dwellings are proposed in the Green Belt, or Chilterns AONB , the other relevant policies will be applied in addition to the above.

For more information, please visit the Central Befordshire Local Plan