Policy DC4 - Conversion and reuse of existing buildings

Planning permission will only be granted to proposals for the sympathetic conversion, with adaptation if necessary, of a locally important building for a variety of alternative uses, including use as a single dwelling, where this would secure its upkeep and retention. Such proposals will be required to be of a high design quality and to meet all of the following criteria: a. The building is of permanent construction; b. The reuse or conversion would maintain or enhance the form, character and architectural features, design and setting of the existing building and not have an adverse effect on the character or appearance of the locality; c. Any new extensions are sympathetic to the scale, massing and architectural style and finishes of the existing building; d. The reuse or conversion would not unduly affect the amenities of nearby residents or adversely affect the continued agricultural use of adjoining land or buildings; e. The nature and scale of any proposed non-residential use is appropriate to a countryside location and meets all other policy requirements of the LDP – retail use, other than small-scale retail use ancillary to another primary use, is unlikely to be acceptable; f. All necessary services are available or can be provided without significant adverse impact on the environment or character of the locality; and g. Access to the public road will not prejudice road safety or significantly inconvenience the flow of traffic.