Policy information sourced from the Maidstone Borough Council Local Plan 2021-2038

LPRCD4: Live-Work Units.

1. Proposals for the development of new-build live-work units will be supported within the boundaries of the Urban Area, Rural Service Centres and Larger Villages as set out in the settlement hierarchy, subject to satisfying other relevant policies in the plan. New-build live- work units outside of the Urban Area, Rural Service Centres and Larger Villages settlement boundaries will not be permitted.

2. Proposals for the conversion of rural buildings to employment generating uses with ancillary living accommodation will be supported, subject to meeting the following criteria:

  • i. The building is of a form, bulk and general design which is in keeping with its rural surroundings;
  • ii. The building is of permanent, substantial and sound construction and is capable of conversion without major or complete reconstruction;
  • iii. Any alterations proposed as part of the conversion are in keeping with the rural character of the building in terms of detailed design, form and materials;
  • iv. There is sufficient room in the curtilage of the building to park the vehicles of those who will live there without detriment to the visual amenity of the countryside;
  • v. No fences, walls or other structures associated with the use of the building or the definition of its curtilage or any sub-division of it are erected which would harm the visual amenity of the countryside;
  • vi. The proposals are well related to the existing road network with direct access off a public road, and will not require construction of a new long track to serve the building;
  • vii. The proposals will not create conditions prejudicial to highway safety;
  • viii.The building is not situated in an isolated location, relative to local services such as shops, schools and public transport;
  • ix. The domestic curtilage is minimal, unobtrusive and capable of being screened;
  • x. The building is of sufficient size to accommodate a genuine business use and that any residential accommodation will be ancillary to that use; The workspace element of the conversion should comprise at least 30% of the total floorspace; and
  • xi. The development is not situated in the farmyard of a working farm where conversion would prejudice the future operation of a farming business.

3. The council will impose a condition prohibiting occupation of the living accommodation until after the works necessary for the establishment of an employment generating use have been completed. The council will also impose a condition which retains the workspace.

For more information, please visit Maidstone’s Local Plan Maidstone Borough Council Local Plan 2021-2038