Design and siting of farm houses to minimise landscape impact

Any permissible house must be carefully designed and sited so as to minimise impact on the character and appearance of the landscape and should be physically grouped with existing buildings on the subject farm. Where physical grouping is not possible or practical, careful design should seek to visually link the house with existing structures, unless such linkage is not possible as a result of existing screening. Where an alternative site is proposed which is removed from existing buildings on the farm, the applicant will be required to submit demonstrable evidence from a competent and independent authority to justify the siting. Evidence relating to the future expansion of the farm business may include valid planning permissions, building control approvals or contractual obligations to supply farm produce.