Policy information sourced from the Combined Policies of Epping Forest District Local Plan (1998) and Alterations (2006).

E12A Farm Diversification

Proposals for diversification on farms will be permitted where the activities or uses will:

  1. not involve significant or irreversible loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land; and
  2. re-use or adapt agricultural buildings in accordance with policy GB8A; and
  3. not undermine the role of existing employment sites, town centres or village shops; and
  4. not generate traffic movements, particularly of HGVs, which would significantly affect the character of the rural area, highway safety and the capacity of the rural road network; and
  5. clearly demonstrate how the scheme will support the principal use of agriculture, forestry or horticulture.

To maintain the openness of the Green Belt the Council may impose a condition restricting any external storage (including the stationing of HGVs) in relation to the activities.

For more information, please see the Combined Policies document