Policy DC1 – All countryside development - general policy principles

Development proposals should be supported by a justification of rural locational need and site-specific need (unless specifically excluded by other LDP provisions) and must demonstrate that there is no significant detrimental impact on rural amenity and environmental quality. All development must also ensure there is no loss or erosion of the rural character of the area. Planning permission will only be granted for development relying on non-mains sewerage where the applicant can demonstrate that this will not create or add to a pollution problem or otherwise threaten environmental quality. Applicants will be required to submit sufficient information on the means of sewage treatment to allow a proper assessment of such proposals to be made. In those areas identified as having a pollution risk, development relying on non-mains sewerage will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. 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 for environmental protection, water quality and drainage and access and road safety. New development should seek to cluster with and consolidate existing built development.