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

DM7: New Buildings and Structures in the Green Wedge.

A) New Buildings and Structures

Planning permission will be granted for new buildings and structures where the development does not conflict with the purposes of the Green Wedge, and is for:

  • a local community facility where there is a demonstrated need; or
  • a local community facility that supports the role and function of the Green Wedge; or
  • agriculture and forestry or where it supports the sustainable growth and expansion of an existing, authorised and viable business where it can be demonstrated that there is a justified need; or
  • local transport infrastructure and other essential infrastructure or development which supports existing or potential utility infrastructure where the Green Wedge location is appropriate and the benefits of which override the impact on the designation; or
  • appropriate facilities for outdoor sport, outdoor recreation and cemeteries; or
  • a rural worker’s dwelling in accordance with Policy DM12; or vii. infilling in accordance with Policy DM9; or
  • limited affordable housing for local needs in accordance with Policy DM2; or
  • extensions or alterations to buildings in accordance with Policy DM11; or
  • redevelopment of previously developed land in accordance with Part B of this Policy; or
  • replacement buildings in accordance with Part C of this Policy; or
  • residential outbuildings in accordance with Part D of this Policy.

B) Redevelopment of previously developed land (whether redundant or in continuing use and excluding temporary building/s)

Planning permission will only be granted where the role and function of the Green Wedge, in maintaining open land between built-up areas, protecting biodiversity and promoting recreation would not be materially harmed, and where the development would have no greater impact on the character and appearance of the area than the existing use and/or development. The Council will assess the development based on the following:

  • the size, scale, massing and spread of the new development compared to the existing; and
  • the visual impact of the development compared to the existing; and
  • the impact of the activities/use of the new development compared to the existing.

C) Replacement Buildings

Planning permission will be granted for the replacement of a building provided that:

  • the existing building being replaced is of permanent and substantial construction; and
  • the new building is in the same use as the existing; and
  • the new building would not be out of keeping with its context and surroundings, and does not result in any other harm and;
  • the new building is not materially larger than the one it replaces.

D) Residential Outbuildings

Planning permission will be granted for outbuildings to be used for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling where the new building:

  • is located within the curtilage of the dwelling; and
  • is proportionate in size and scale and ancillary in appearance to the host dwelling; and
  • is in keeping with its context and surroundings, and does not result in any other harm.

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