Policy information sourced from the Chelmsford Local Plan 2013-2036 PDF.

DM10: Change of Use (Land and Buildings) and Engineering Operations.

A) Green Belt

Planning permission will be granted for the change of use of buildings in the Green Belt where:

  • the building is of permanent and substantial construction, and works to convert the building would not result in substantial reconstruction; and
  • the building is in keeping with its surroundings, and any alterations or extensions are proportionate in size in relation to the existing building and do not harm its original character; and
  • the use of land within the curtilage of the building, and which is to be used in association with that building, would not result in harm to the openness of the Green Belt; and
  • where the building was constructed less than ten years ago for the purposes of agriculture, but it can be demonstrated that it is no longer required for agriculture.

In addition to criteria above, where the proposed use is for a dwelling or dwellings, the building must have been constructed more than ten years ago. Engineering operations will be permitted within the Green Belt where they preserve openness, do not conflict with the purposes of including land in the Green Belt, and do not harm the character and appearance of the area.

B) Green Wedge

Planning permission will be granted for the change of use of buildings in the Green Wedge where:

  • the building is of permanent and substantial construction, and works to convert the building would not result in substantial reconstruction; and
  • the building is in keeping with its surroundings, and any alterations or extensions are proportionate in size in relation to the existing building and do not harm its original character; and
  • the use of any land within the curtilage of the building, and which is to be used in association with that building, would not conflict with the purposes of the Green Wedge designation; and
  • the building was constructed less than ten years ago for the purposes of agriculture, but it can be demonstrated that it is no longer required for agriculture.

In addition to criteria i to iv above, where the proposed use is for a dwelling or dwellings, the building must have been constructed more than ten years ago. Changes of use of land and engineering operations will be permitted where the development would not adversely impact on the role, function, character and appearance of the Green Wedge as set out in Strategic Policy S11.

C) Rural Area

Planning permission will be granted for the change of use of land or buildings in the Rural Area where:

  • the building is of permanent and substantial construction, and works to convert the building would not result in substantial reconstruction; and
  • the building is in keeping with its surroundings, and any alterations or extensions do not harm its original character; and
  • it does not adversely impact on the identified intrinsic character, appearance and beauty of the Rural Area; and
  • the building was constructed less than ten years ago for the purposes of agriculture, but it can be demonstrated that it is no longer required for agriculture.

In addition to criteria above, where the proposed use is for a dwelling or dwellings, the building must have been constructed more than ten years ago. Engineering operations will be permitted within the Rural Area where they do not adversely impact upon the identified intrinsic character, appearance and beauty of the Rural Area.

For more information, please visit Chelmsford’s Local Plan here.