Policy information sourced from the Mole Valley Local Plan

EN2: THE COUNTRYSIDE BEYOND THE GREEN BELT

1. Within the Countryside Beyond the Green Belt, as set out on the Policies Map, the rural character and largely undeveloped nature of the countryside will be protected for its own sake.

2. Development of new housing will be permitted only in locations which accord with Policies EN3 or H4 of this Local Plan, or through redevelopment of previously developed land in accordance with part 3b of this policy.

3. The following forms of development will be permitted where they comply with other relevant policies in this Plan:

  • Extension or alteration of an existing dwelling or other building, including provision of ancillarybuildings within the curtilage of an existing dwelling or other building, provided the proposed development does not result in disproportionate additions over and above the size of the original building.
  • Replacement of existing buildings, conversion of existing buildings to alternative use or redevelopment of previously developed land, provided the proposed development, including associated uses and activity, would not have an adverse impact on the rural character and largely undeveloped nature of the countryside, by reason of its scale, design or siting.
  • Buildings or other structures which it has been demonstrated are reasonably necessary to support agricultural, horticultural or forestry use of the site, in accordance with Policy EC6.
  • Buildings or structures for outdoor sport, outdoor recreation, cemeteries, burial grounds and allotments, provided the proposed buildings and associated uses or activity would not have an adverse impact on the rural character and largely undeveloped nature of the countryside. Where external lighting is proposed, or likely to be required, in connection with proposed outdoor uses, this should not result in light pollution adversely impacting on the amenities of neighbouring properties or the surrounding landscape, taking account of existing levels of artificial illumination in the surrounding area.
  • Non-residential development where it has been demonstrated that:
    1. it will make a positive contribution to the rural economy;
    2. it will improve the range of services to local rural communities;
    3. a rural location is necessary and where factors in favour of the development clearly outweigh any harm to the rural and undeveloped character of the countryside; or,
    4. it will achieve specific strategic objectives of this Local Plan

In all cases, the proposal will be required to demonstrate that a rural location is necessary and the factors in favour of the development clearly outweigh any harm to the rural character and the largely undeveloped character of the countryside, taking into all other relevant policies in this Local Plan, including those relating to the protection of the landscape, biodiversity and heritage.

For more information please see the Mole Valley Local Plan