Policy information sourced from the Reigate & Banstead Local Plan - Development Management Plan

NHE6: Reuse and adaptation of buildings in the Green Belt and in the rural surrounds of Horley

Within the Green Belt and the Rural Surrounds of Horley:

  • The re-use and adaptation of buildings to support the rural economy or diversification of rural businesses will be supported provided:
    • the existing building is lawful, permanent and of sound construction and can be converted without significant or complete reconstruction
    • the conversion would enhance the building or the surrounding rural character and would not lead to the loss of any features of architectural or historic importance
    • the proposed use, along with any associated use of land surrounding the building, would maintain the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside and where relevant would not be materially more harmful to the openness of the Green Belt
    • the proposal would enhance the rural character of the immediate setting; and
    • the proposal would enhance or maintain the visual or physical distinction between urban areas and rural surrounds.
  • Where conversion to residential use is proposed, planning permission will only be granted where:
    • the building is physically unsuitable for a commercial or industrial use, or other use which would support the rural economy, or is otherwise unsuitable due to its location, accessibility or highway safety; or
    • it can be demonstrated that reasonable attempts have been made for a minimum 6 month period, without success, to let or sell the premises for a use which would support the rural economy or that such a conversion would be financially unviable (See Annex 3 for marketing requirements).

For more information please see the Reigate & Banstead Development Management Plan