Policy information sourced from the Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan
SADM 34 Development within the Green Belt
Within the Green Belt as defined on the Policies Map planning permission will be granted for development in accordance with national policy and other policies in this plan subject to the following criteria.
Openness and purposes of the Green Belt
Proposals for the re-use of buildings, appropriate facilities for outdoor sport, outdoor recreation, cemeteries and development on previously developed sites will need to demonstrate that they preserve the openness of the Green Belt and do not conflict with the purposes of including land within it. In assessing the impact of the proposal the Council will take into account:
- Whether the site lies within a parcel of land which makes a significant or partial contribution to one or more purposes of the Green Belt;
- Whether the scale of development or activity would compromise that purpose;
- The level of impact on both the physical and visual openness of the Green Belt.
Extensions and Alterations to Existing Buildings
Applicants will need to demonstrate that extensions and alterations to a building would not result, either individually or cumulatively, in disproportionate additions over and above the size of the original building(77) , in terms of bulk, scale, height or massing. Account will be taken of the extent to which the extension and/or alteration would be consistent with the general pattern of development and character of the area and its prominence within the landscape.
Replacement Buildings
Replacement buildings will be permitted provided that the new building is not materially larger than the one it replaces in terms of its footprint, height and external volume and is in the same use. In assessing the impact of the proposal the Council will take into account:
- The location of the replacement building and its prominence within the landscape;
- The extent to which the proposed development is consistent with the general pattern of development and character of the area
Consideration will be given to the removal of permitted development rights where considered necessary to protect the openness of the Green Belt.
Major Developed Sites
Four Major Developed Sites have been designated and comprise substantial areas of previously developed land in the Green Belt. They are
- New Barnfield Resources Centre, Hatfield
- Queenswood School Brookmans Park
- The Royal Veterinary College , North Mymms and Monks Walk and
- Knightsfield School, Welwyn Garden City
Their boundaries have been defined on the Policies Map and identify the extent of the area within which limited infill development or replacement buildings could occur. Proposals would need to comply with the criteria set out above and other than minor development, should come forward in the context of a Masterplan which has been agreed by the Council.
Change of Use
Proposals for change of use will need to demonstrate that they are consistent with both the settlement and rural areas strategies as well as the principles of sustainable development set out in the Local Plan. Existing buildings must be of permanent and substantial construction and capable of conversion without the need for substantial demolition and rebuilding.
Where a change of use of land is proposed applicants will need to demonstrate that the proposal would preserve the openness of the Green Belt and minimise any impact on the landscape.
Infill Development
Limited infill development will be permitted in villages within the Green Belt provided:
- It is within a continuous built up frontage;
- It does not extend the existing ‘built up’ area of the village into the open countryside;
- It would not result in the loss of a view or vista which makes a significant contribution to the character of the settlement; and
- It is small scale and would not result in the provision of more than four dwellings (net)
Agricultural and Forestry Dwellings
Both permanent and temporary residential accommodation will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that there is a functional need for on-site accommodation and there is no other suitable accommodation on site or in the surrounding area.
*77 Original is a building as it existed on 1st July 1948 or as originally built after 1st July 1948. Where an existing building has replaced an original building any increase in size over the original building will be taken into account in assessing cumulative impact
For more information please see the Welwyn Hatfield Local Plan