Replacement of an Existing Rural Building - Criteria

Replacement of an Existing Rural Building A proposal to replace an existing building in the countryside with a hotel, guest house or tourist hostel will be permitted subject to the following specific criteria: • the building is of permanent construction; • the existing building and its replacement are both of sufficient size to facilitate the proposed use in accordance with the accommodation requirements set out in Tourism (NI) Order 1992 • the existing building is not a listed building; • where the existing building is a vernacular building and is considered to make an important contribution to local heritage or character, replacement will only be approved where it is demonstrated that the building is not reasonably capable of being made structurally sound or otherwise improved; • the redevelopment proposed will result in significant environmental benefit; • the overall size and scale of the new development, including car parking and ancillary facilities, will allow it to integrate into the surrounding landscape and will not have a visual impact significantly greater than the existing building; • the design is of high quality, appropriate to the rural setting and has regard to local distinctiveness; • access, car parking and other necessary services are available or can be provided without significant adverse impact on the