Policy information sourced from Dacorum Local Plan 2004 Alteration

23 Replacement Dwellings in the Green Belt and the Rural Area

Replacement dwellings are acceptable in the selected small villages in the Green Belt and in the Rural Area if the requirements of Policies 6 and 8 are satisfied.

Elsewhere in the Green Belt and Rural Area the replacement of existing dwellings, including dwellings which have been destroyed, will be permitted provided that:

  • the original dwelling remains in place substantially as built, or it was occupied within the three years preceding the planning application; and
  • the proposed dwelling is not a replacement for temporary residential accommodation or a building constructed of shortlife materials.

Rebuilding a dwelling in a different position on the site may be possible provided its impact on the openness and character of the Green Belt or Rural Area is no worse than the dwelling it replaces, and if possible much less. In particular the dwelling should:

  • be compact and well-designed, retaining sufficient space around it to provide an attractive setting and to protect the character of the countryside;
  • not be visually intrusive on the skyline or in the open character of the surrounding countryside: and
  • not prejudice the retention of any significant trees or natural features.

Any new dwelling should not be larger than:

  • the dwelling which it replaces; or
  • the original dwelling on the site plus an allowance for any extension that would have been permitted under Policy 22.

Permitted development rights will normally be withdrawn by planning condition to ensure there is control over future extensions.

For more information please see the Local Plan