Policy information sourced from the Elmbridge Development Management Plan

DM18 - Green Belt (development of existing buildings)

Extensions and alterations to a building will be permitted provided they do not result in disproportionate additions over and above the size of the original building, either individually or cumulatively. Support will be given to proposals that do not have a materially greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt and, in particular:

  • Are well designed to respond to the context of the site and the character of the area, taking into account the particular visual sensitivity of open and prominent locations
  • Do not result in an increase beyond 25% in volume and 25% in footprint36, and
  • Do not materially increase the overall height of the building.

The replacement of a building in the same use will be permitted provided that the new building is not materially larger than the one it replaces. Support will be given to proposals that do not have a materially greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt and, in particular:

  • Are well designed to respond to the context of the site and the character of the area, taking into account the particular visual sensitivity of open and prominent locations
  • Do not result in an increase beyond 10% in volume and 10% in footprint
  • Do not materially increase the overall height of the building, and
  • Are sited in the same position as the existing building or in a preferable position within the site to maximise the openness of the Green Belt.

The volume and footprint of existing buildings to be demolished within the site may be included in the increase in volume and footprint under (a) and (b) above, taking into account their size, permanence, design and proximity to the building to be extended or replaced. Conditions may be used to remove permitted development rights for further outbuildings and extensions.

Proposals to erect, extend or replace an ancillary building within 5 metres of the main building will be treated as an extension to the main building, under (a) above. The extension or replacement of an ancillary building sited more than 5 metres from the main building will be considered under either (a) or (b) above, as appropriate, as a building in its own right. Proposals to erect new ancillary buildings sited more than 5 metres from the main building, which would not replace existing buildings, will be assessed against the relevant policies relating to new free-standing buildings within the Green Belt.

Proposals for a basement will be permitted provided it is wholly subterranean, does not generate significant additional activity on the site as a whole, does not exceed the footprint of the existing building (including as extended or replaced) and is served only by discreet light wells, ventilation systems or means of escape38. Basements that do not comply with these provisions will be regarded as contributing to the increase in volume and footprint under (a) and (b) above.

For more information please see the Elmbridge Development Management Plan