Policy CTY 1 – Development in the Countryside (General Principles)

There are a range of types of development which in principle are considered to be acceptable in the countryside and that will contribute to the aims of sustainable development. Details of these are set out below. Other types of development will only be permitted where there are overriding reasons why that development is essential and could not be located in a settlement, or it is otherwise allocated for development in a development plan. All proposals for development in the countryside must be sited and designed to integrate sympathetically with their surroundings and to meet other planning and environmental considerations including those for drainage, access and road safety. Access arrangements must be in accordance with the Department's published guidance. Where a Special Countryside Area (SCA) is designated in a development plan, no development will be permitted unless it complies with the specific policy provisions of the relevant plan.