Policy information sourced from Tonbridge and Malling Managing Development and the Environment Development Plan Document

DC1 Re-use of Rural Buildings

Proposals for the reuse of existing rural buildings that are of permanent and sound construction and capable of conversion without major or complete reconstruction (as demonstrated by a structural survey) for commercial subject to all of the following criteria:

  • the building, and any alterations proposed as part of the conversion, are of a form, bulk and general design and of materials which are in keeping with the Appraisal SPD;
  • the proposed use is acceptable in terms of residential and rural amenity, highway impacts and the use of land surrounding the buildings and can be accommodated without requiring the erection of extensions or ancillary buildings. If appropriate, conditions will be imposed removing permitted developme rights;
  • the proposed use does not result in the fragmentation and/or severance of an agricultural land holding creating a non-viable agricultural unit;
  • any landscaping scheme for the site is appropriate to its rural location having regard to the Character Area Appraisals SPD;
  • the proposed use does not result in a negative impact upon protected species; and
  • in the case of buildings of architectural or historic interest, conversion would not:
    • be detrimental to the architectural or historic character of the building, including any archaeological or technological interest it may have, its group value with any other historic buildings, or its setting; or
    • result in the loss of important features relating to the original fabric, the external character of the building, associated archaeological remains or its internal spatial qualities.
  • In the case of proposals for the conversion of such buildings for residential use, permission will not be granted where there is any conflict with sub-paragraphs (a) to (f) of Part 1 of this Policy, or where:
    • the proposal would result in an unacceptable residential environment arising from operations or uses nearby; or
    • the scale and nature of the proposed residential curtilage around the building, particularly in respect of domestic paraphernalia, results in an adverse impact on the rural character or appearance of the countryside as defined in the Character Area Appraisals SPD.
  • Where rural buildings, including outbuilding within the curtilage, have been converted, subsequent proposals requiring planning permission to extend such buildings or to erect ancillary buildings will not normally be granted.

For more information please see the Plan Document