Policy information sourced from Sevenoaks Allocations and Development Management Plan
GB7 - Re-use of a Building within the Green Belt
Proposals for the re-use of a building in the Green Belt which would meet the following criteria will be permitted:
- the proposed new use, along with any associated use of land surrounding the building, will not have a materially greater impact than the present use on the openness of the Green Belt or harm the existing character of the area; and
- the applicant can demonstrate through a detailed structural survey and method statement that the buildings are of permanent and substantial construction and are capable of conversion without major or complete re-construction that would detract from their original character.
Where a proposal seeks the re-use of an agricultural building constructed within the last 10 years, it will be necessary for the applicant to demonstrate that there is no longer an agricultural need for the building, or that the building is no longer fit for its agricultural purpose.
Where it is accepted that there is no future agricultural need for the building, the Council will resist future proposals for new agricultural buildings, unless it is apparent that they are of a different type and nature than that previously identified as being surplus to requirements.
For more information please see the Allocations and Development Management Plan