Justification and amplification for Policy DC10

The policy makes provision for circumstances where there is a demonstrable locational need for new dwellings on farms to support the agricultural activities on the farm. Such houses will only be acceptable where the farm business is both established and active, supported by clear relevant evidence from the applicant, including business registration number and other relevant documentation. For the purposes of this policy, 'agricultural activity' refers to the production, rearing or growing of agricultural products including harvesting, milking, breeding animals and keeping animals for farming purposes, or maintaining the land in good agricultural and environmental condition. Planning permission will not be granted for a dwelling under this policy where a rural business is artificially divided solely for the purpose of obtaining planning permission or has recently sold-off a development opportunity from the farm such as a replacement dwelling or other building capable of conversion. For the purposes of this policy, 'sold-off' will mean any development opportunity disposed of from the farm holding to any other person including a member of the family.