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

GB8A Change of Use or Adaptation of Buildings

The Council will grant planning permission for the change of use and adaptation of a building in the Green Belt, provided all the following criteria are met:

  1. the building is of permanent and substantial construction, capable of conversion without major or complete reconstruction, and is in keeping with its surroundings in terms of form, bulk and general design; and
  2. the use would not have a materially greater impact than the present use on the Green Belt and the purpose of including land in it; and
  3. the use and associated traffic generation would not have a significant detrimental impact on the character or amenities of the countryside; and
  4. the Council is satisfied that works within the last ten years were not completed with a view to securing a use other than that for which they were ostensibly carried out; and
  5. the use will not have a significant adverse impact upon the vitality and viability of a town centre, district centre, local centre or village shop.

In seeking to promote a living and working countryside preference will be given to employment generating uses such as recreation, tourism, small workshops and storage. Proposals which involve a significant amount of vehicle parking, commuting (especially by car) or open storage will be refused permission. Wherever possible, conversions will employ sustainable design and construction techniques as required by policy CP4.

For more information, please see the Combined Policies document