General Policy

The conversion of existing buildings usually follows their redundancy in their original function and a new economic use is hoped for (whether it be to light industry and craft workshop, residential, or holiday letting). The adopted National Park Local Plan has a number of policies, particularly C26, and CD8 on the conversion of existing buildings and planning applications will be judged against these policies.

Local Plan Policy C26:

The conversion of buildings within the National Park will only be permitted where they conform with policies CD8, 9, 10, 12, MT2 or TR3 and satisfy the following criteria:

• the developer must satisfy the National Park Authority that the buildings are readily capable of conversion without substantial rebuilding. The National Park Authority reserve the right to request a full structural survey where the condition of the building is in doubt or dispute;
• the building should be large enough to accommodate the proposed use without the need for substantial extension;
• the proposed conversion should be compatible with any existing and adjacent buildings in terms of scale, height, proportions, materials, colour, and architectural detailing;
• there should already be a safe and convenient vehicular access from the building to a public road or an access which is capable of being upgraded to the required standard without adversely affecting the visual quality or character of the area;
• the proposed conversion should not give rise to the provision, renewal or extension of public utilities in a visually intrusive manner;
• proposals affecting listed buildings should preserve the building, its setting and any features of special architectural interest which it possesses and conform with Policies C17 – C19.

The National Park Authority will consider withdrawing Permitted Development Rights under the General Permitted Development Order to ensure that subsequent alterations and associated development are subject to full planning control.

Local Plan Policy CD8:

The conversion of farm and other buildings to residential use, within the settlements identified in Policies CD4 and CD5, will be permitted where they respect the scale and character of the settlement, and conform with Policies C25, CD1 and CD2.

Elsewhere, proposals for the conversion of farm and other buildings to dwellings will only be permitted where:

• the proposal would not create isolated development far removed from basic services;
• the curtilage of the proposal, in particular gardens, driveways and other associated features should not lead to a significant change in the local landscape character;
• the proposal conforms with Policies C26, CD1, and CD2.

The construction of new housing development will not be permitted as part of, or in addition to, any conversion scheme outwith the settlements identified in Policies CD4 and CD5.

In relation to design matters the underlying policy objective is to protect and enhance the character of traditional buildings and their setting in the National Park. This appearance and character is best safeguarded by retaining the original use, but where this is no longer feasible the proposed conversion should at least retain the original "feel" of the building.  This may not be a great challenge where the intended use is light industry or craft workshop using the existing spaces of redundant buildings. It is more difficult in the case of conversion to residential use where the larger simple agricultural spaces must be divided internally into small domestic rooms.

"A supportive approach to farm diversification should not result in excessive expansion and encroachment of building development into the countryside."

From Planning Policy Statement 7: Sustainable Development in Rural Areas

It is unlikely to be acceptable to make alterations or to extend a traditional barn or byre if in the process its external character is lost in a mass of dormer windows or rooflights, a fussy porch and conservatory or picture windows. These things are not part of the plain, functional character of the traditional farm building and if substantial extension or the construction of new outbuildings appears necessary in the first place the view may be taken that the proposed conversion is unsuitably ambitious. Please also read the section Understanding Traditional Buildings as relevant background to this subject. It is also important to consider the issues within the Sustainable Construction and Renewable Energy and Accessibility for All sections.