Policy information sourced from Dacorum Local Plan 2004 Alteration
24 Agricultural and Forestry Workers’ Dwellings
Dwellings for agricultural and forestry workers will be permitted in selected small villages under Policies 6 and 8.
Elsewhere in the Green Belt and the Rural Area, permission will only be granted for such dwellings where they would meet all of the following criteria:
- there is a clear established and existing functional need for a new dwelling on the unit;
- suitable alternative accommodation or buildings capable of conversion do not exist;
- the enterprise has been clearly demonstrated to be viable and sustainable;
- the dwelling would not have a damaging impact on the character or amenity of the surrounding area;
- the dwelling would be commensurate in size with the established functional requirements of the unit; and
- safe access could be provided.
Permission will not normally be given where an existing dwelling on the unit, or a building suitable for conversion to a dwelling has been disposed of in the previous five years.
Where the viability of a new agricultural or forestry activity is being tested permission will be given for the provision of temporary accommodation on the unit provided that it meets the following criteria:
- there is a proven functional need;
- a firm intention and ability to develop the enterprise has been demonstrated;
- the financial development of the enterprise has been soundly planned;
- there is no other suitable accommodation available on the unit or within the area; and
- the siting of the accommodation would not detract from the character or appearance of the surrounding area.
The maximum period for a temporary permission will normally be three years.
The occupation of any agricultural or forestry worker’s dwelling will be limited to:
- a person principally or last employed in agriculture or forestry and his/her family;
- and subsequently his/her surviving spouse and/or resident dependants
For more information please see the Local Plan