Dwellings within an Existing Cluster

DM 18.17 The Council will permit a new dwelling within an existing cluster of development where all of the following criteria are met: (a) The cluster lies outside a farm holding and comprises a group of five or more substantial buildings incorporating at least three dwellings but excluding ancillary buildings such as garages, outbuildings and open sided structures; (b) The cluster appears as a visual entity in the landscape and incorporates or is closely associated with a local focal point, such as a community building or facility, or a crossroads; (c) The proposed site provides a suitable degree of enclosure and is bounded on at least two sides with other development in the cluster; and (d) The new dwelling can be absorbed into the existing cluster through rounding off and consolidation and will not significantly alter its existing character or visually intrude into the landscape.