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

DM8: New Buildings and Structures in the Rural Area.

A) New Buildings and Structures

Planning permission will be granted for new buildings and structures in the Rural Area where the development will not adversely impact on the identified intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside and where the development is for:

  • a local community facility where there is a demonstrated need; or
  • agriculture and forestry or 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; or
  • appropriate facilities for outdoor sport, outdoor recreation and cemeteries; or
  • a rural worker’s dwelling in accordance with Policy DM12; or
  • housing which secures the optimal viable use of a heritage asset or enabling development to secure the future of a heritage asset; or
  • housing which includes the re-use of redundant or disused buildings which leads to an enhancement to the immediate setting; or
  • a dwelling which is of a design of exceptional quality or innovative nature; or
  • 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 buildings)

Planning permission will be granted where the proposed development would not result in harm to the identified intrinsic character, appearance and beauty of the area. 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; and
  • the location of the site is appropriate to the type of development proposed.

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.

D) 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.