Housing Development in the Countryside
Transcription
Housing Development in the Countryside
Housing Development in the Countryside Supplementary Guidance October 2013 Planning in Orkney The Orkney Local Development Plan (the Plan), together with Supplementary Guidance sets out the policies and criteria against which planning applications submitted in Orkney will be considered. All of the policies in the Plan are afforded equal weight in the determination of planning applications. It is therefore important to ensure that your proposal accords with all relevant policies. This guidance sets out detailed advice to help you meet the requirements of the Plan. It is therefore recommended that the document is read in conjunction with the policies contained within the Plan and any Supplementary Guidance relevant to the type of development proposed. The Council’s Development Management Officers deal with planning applications and they would welcome the opportunity to discuss development proposals before any application is submitted. Copies of this document This document is available as a hard copy or in digital format. Please see www.orkney.gov.uk Telephone: 01856 873535 Email: [email protected] Website: www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/D/Development-Management.htm A glossary of planning terms used within the Council’s planning policy documents and supplementary guidance can be found online at: http://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/G/Glossary-of-Planning-Terms.ht, Published by Orkney Islands Council © All rights reserved www.orkney.gov.uk Designed and Printed by The Orcadian – www.orcadian.co.uk Housing Development in the Countryside Contents 1 Introduction 1 1 1 2 1.1Background 1.2 Planning policy 1.3 How to use this guidance 2 Development criteria 7 7 8 8 9 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 The subdivision of an existing dwelling house Accommodating an agricultural worker Accommodating a retiring farmer Provision of 24 hour supervision for a rural business 3 Options for the utilisation of previously developed land 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Option 1 Brownfield Opportunity Site Option 2 Former dwelling house featured on the Orkney Local List Extending a former dwelling house featured on the Local List Option 3 Non-domestic structures of historic merit Extending non-domestic structures of historic merit Option 4 The replacement of an existing dwelling house 11 11 12 13 14 14 14 4 Further information 17 Appendix 1: 19 Key definitions and policy tests i Housing Development in the Countryside Housing Development in the Countryside 1.2 Planning policy This supplementary guidance accompanies Policy C1 of the Orkney Local Development Plan (the Plan) for the development of a single new dwelling house in the countryside to support the managed development of new dwelling houses and extensions in the Orkney countryside. It encourages the use of previously used land, including the subdivision, replacement or retention of existing buildings, which will help to restore buildings and landscapes that have been degraded. It also encourages the sympathetic conversion of redundant traditional and vernacular buildings. Existing traditional and vernacular buildings such as steadings, mills or other agricultural or industrial outbuildings, often make a significant contribution to the landscape character and cultural heritage of the Orkney countryside. The conversion and reuse of such buildings offers opportunity for their conservation and enhancement, bringing them back into effective use. The policy also recognises that there may also be special circumstances where there is a functional need for the development of a new dwelling house directly related to a rural business, and provision is made for circumstances where a rural business requires 24 hour supervision and to allow accommodation for the succession of a retiring farmer. It is important to ensure that any proposal meets with all of the other relevant policies in the Plan including Policy D5 Access to New Development, Policy D9 Standards of Design, Policy H3 Listed buildings and the Orkney Local List, and the Supplementary Guidance The design of new houses and extensions in the Orkney countryside, Sustainable design and energy efficiency and Listed buildings and the Orkney Local List. Introduction 1 1.1Background Throughout the past 10 – 15 years there has been a marked increase in the number of new houses erected in the open countryside of Orkney. Public feedback has highlighted that a number of these houses have been sited in obtrusive locations and can be unsympathetic to the surrounding natural and built environment. The policy approach in the Plan seeks to retain the existing settlement pattern whilst meeting the demand for new residential accommodation through the reuse of previously developed land wherever possible. It is appreciated that there are occasions where residential accommodation is required to house an agricultural worker, or to provide 24 hour supervision for a rural business, and the Council’s policy approach to determining such applications is likewise addressed within this supplementary guidance. The development of new properties has the potential to have a significant impact on the existing public road network. In all circumstances, the first option should be to utilise an existing access and to upgrade any junction as necessary (this is particularly important in instances where it is proposed to subdivide an existing dwelling or its curtilage). A developer should provide information regarding vehicular and pedestrian 1 Housing Development in the Countryside improvements to the existing road network to accommodate the development. In instances of large-scale development proposals, it may be necessary to provide a Transport Assessment or Statement. access and egress to the site during construction and upon completion of the works and it may be necessary for the developer to carry out Policy C1 Housing in the countryside and the isles Proposals for the development of a dwelling house outwith the settlement boundaries on the Mainland and linked Isles will be supported where it involves one of the following: 1. The subdivision of an existing dwelling house. 2. The provision of a single dwelling house to accommodate an agricultural worker. 3. The erection of a single dwelling house associated with the retirement succession of a viable farm holding. 4. The erection of a single dwelling house where necessary to provide 24 hour supervision to an existing rural business. 5. The utilisation of previously developed land. For applications under criteria 2, 3 and 4, where appropriate, the Planning Authority will use planning conditions and, in some circumstances, section 75 agreements that link the new house to the business. The development of a single dwelling house anywhere outwith existing settlement boundaries in the non-linked Isles will be supported subject to the other policies in the Plan. The use of residential caravans as dwellings is not supported. Bats can be found in new and old buildings and in a range of other structures. Although not common in Orkney, they are known to be present in certain areas. All bats are European Protected Species and the law protects them and their roosts. Otter is another European Protected Species which, although rarely seen, is widespread in Orkney and may on occasion utilise disused buildings to establish a holt or resting place. Policy N3 Protected Species aims to safeguard habitats and species protected under British and European Law. If it is suspected that a development may impact on bats or otters, the Council is legally obliged to require a survey and, if necessary, an assessment of any impact before a planning application is determined. If evidence of bats or otters is discovered following commencement of development, work must cease immediately and the advice of Scottish Natural Heritage must be sought. Where the proposal has potential to significantly affect a Natura 2000 site, sufficient information must be provided with the planning application to enable a full assessment of the likely environmental effects of the development. 1.3 How to use this guidance There are a range of opportunities supported by Policy C1 for the development of a single dwelling house or the extension of an existing property in the countryside. This guidance provides detailed information on each of the opportunities available along with the criteria which will have to be satisfied before planning permission can be granted. You should seek advice from a planning officer to help you determine which part of the guidance is relevant to your proposal. The following examples are provided for guidance: • If you already have a house in the countryside and wish to divide your house to provide more than one dwelling house (for example Where the proposal has potential to affect a Natura 2000 site, sufficient information must be provided with the planning application to enable a full assessment of the likely environmental effects of the development. In all cases with the exception of the non-linked Isles, planning applications will be assessed according to the detailed guidance and definitions set out in the Supplementary Guidance Housing Development in the Orkney Countryside. 2 Housing Development in the Countryside • • • • to create a self contained annex), or to or to subdivide the garden to erect a new dwelling house, then you should read Section 2.1. If you are a farmer and wish to provide a house for an agricultural worker to assist in 24 hour supervision of the farm then you should read section 2.2. If you are a farmer looking to retire and allow a family member to take on the family farm then you should read section 2.3. If you operate a business located in the countryside and require a house on site to allow for 24 hour supervision of that business you should read section 2.4. If you wish to redevelop an existing house or building in the countryside (including the conversion of a building to a house), or have a site which you believe is contaminated then you should read section 3. Section 3 details options for the utilisation of previously developed land and is the most detailed part of the guidance. This is because it provides guidance on four different circumstances (Options 1-4) where a new dwelling house will be supported. To help ensure clarity on the range of circumstances which will be supported, a series of detailed definitions of each of the categories of buildings or sites which will qualify for a replacement house or conversion is provided at Appendix 1. If you are in any doubt please contact a planning officer at the earliest opportunity. 3 Housing Development in the Countryside Is there evidence that the building is a former dwelling house? NO NO Does the building or structure meet the criteria for Inclusion on the Local List? YES Owner may demolish a redundant non-domestic building or structure and erect a new dwelling house. (an alternative location is acceptable if there are demonstrable planning benefits and the original building is removed prior to development). In exceptional cases, where the footprint of the original building is insufficient to accommodate a new house, the proposed dwelling can be up to 100% bigger than the building to be replaced. Traditional/natural materials should be reused wherever possible. YES Does the building or structure meet or exceed the test of dereliction? YES Is there evidence that the building is a former dwelling house? Applicant must demolish the building and replace it with a dwelling house in same location (an alternative location is acceptable if there are demonstrable planning benefits). Traditional/natural materials should be reused wherever possible. Conversion to dwelling house is acceptable. In exceptional circumstances, where it is not possible to contain a proposed dwelling within the envelope of the existing building, the building may be extended. The footprint of any extension may not exceed that of the host building and the extension must adjoin it directly (refer to Core Principles 3 and 4 in SG Listed Buildings and the Orkney Local List) or a new curtilage can be formed adjacent to the original, for a new dwelling (2 for 1). The planning application must detail how the original building will be fully restored in accordance with the Core Principles of SG Listed Buildings and the Orkney Local List and it must be made fully wind and water tight prior to occupation of the new build. NO Has the building been vacant for in excess of 10 years? NO The building should be restored, renovated and extended utilising the Core Principles outlined within SG Listed Buildings and the Orkney Local List. Where the new-build element of the proposal is to be detached from the original dwelling, the original must be retained and maintained as domestic accommodation within the curtilage of the new structure to be erected and this will be required by planning condition. Option 1 The building can be restored, renovated and extended in accordance with the 5 Core Principles outlined within SG Listed Buildings and the Orkney Local List. 4 YES YES The building can be redeveloped in one of the following three ways: Option 2 1 for 1: the original building can be utilised as ancillary domestic accommodation to a new dwelling house to be erected within the existing curtilage. Full details of how the original building will be restored, and be retained in a fully wind and water tight condition, must accompany the application and restoration must be carried out prior to the occupation of the new build. Housing Development in the Countryside YES Is there a building or structure on the proposed application site? NO Is the land suspected to be contaminated? YES NO The building is classed as a ruin and is not therefore eligible for replacement or redevelopment in itself NO There is provision within current policy to erect a single dwelling house to accommodate: 1.an agricultural worker to ensure the provision of 24hr supervision on a year round basis where the building will be sited within or directly adjacent to the existing farmhouse and associated steading (unless there are functional requirements or significant planning benefits for an alternative location); 2.a retiring farmer where the proposed dwelling will be situated within the same agricultural holding as the farmhouse from which the farmer is retiring and where it will be located within the same group of buildings as the existing farmhouse and associated steading (unless there are demonstrable planning benefits for an alternative location); or 3.an on-site supervisor for a viable rural business, which has been in operation for in excess of 2 years, where a business plan demonstrates that the business will remain viable for the foreseeable future and where it has been demonstrated that 24 hour supervision is required which cannot be provided remotely. Is the suspected contamination directly attributable to the former non-agricultural use of the land? NO YES It is acceptable to redevelop suspected contaminated land for housing where the applicant can demonstrate the level of potential threat posed by the contamination. The land must be fully remediated during the redevelopment process to the satisfaction of the Council. A planning condition or a Section 75 legal agreement will prevent the future independent sale of houses delivered through these options. Option 3 2 for 1: A new curtilage can be formed adjacent to the original, for a new dwelling. The planning application must detail how the original building will be fully restored in accordance with the Core Principles of SG Listed Buildings and the Orkney Local List and it must be made fully wind and water tight prior to occupation of the new build. There is also provision within current policy to subdivide an existing dwelling house or its curtilage. All proposed domestic accommodation must be contained within the existing domestic curtilage and the amenity, access and parking standards outlined within the guidance must be met. 5 Housing Development in the Countryside Image courtesy of Jamie Macvie 6 Housing Development in the Countryside Development criteria 2.1 The subdivision of an existing dwelling house The subdivision of established houses, or their curtilage, can increase accommodation without having a significant negative impact on the landscape. Subdivision of an existing dwelling house/curtilage in the countryside will therefore be supported where it has been demonstrated that: 1. the subdivision is achievable without the need to extend the existing curtilage, with all proposed buildings being fully contained within the boundary of the existing domestic curtilage; 2. any dwelling house formed as a result of the subdivision benefits from its own dedicated external domestic space and the footprint of all domestic units will occupy a maximum of 33% of their associated domestic curtilage; 3. there is adequate parking and access provision and there will be no adverse impact on road safety; 4. the residential amenity of adjacent properties, including that of the original dwelling house to be subdivided, must be preserved or enhanced; and 5. the curtilage to be subdivided legitimately served the host dwelling in October 2013. 2 The permitted development rights of any dwelling house delivered through the subdivision may be restricted by planning condition, for example where this is necessary to preserve the historic or architectural interest of a building which features on the Orkney Local List or where there may be unacceptable impacts on local landscape character. In the case of dwellings of historic merit, which meet the criteria for inclusion on the Local List, any new house created through the subdivision of the curtilage must comply with Core Principle 5 as defined within Supplementary Guidance Listed Buildings and the Orkney Local List. 7 Housing Development in the Countryside 2.2 Accommodating an agricultural worker Where there is a need for a farmer to provide accommodation for an agricultural worker in order to contribute to the efficient running of the farm, the development of a single dwelling house in the countryside will be supported where it has been demonstrated that; 1. there is a need to accommodate an agricultural worker on a viable farm holding to ensure the provision of 24 hour supervision; and 2. where there is an existing farmhouse and/ or associated steading, the proposed dwelling house is located within, or directly adjacent to it, unless there are demonstrable functional requirements or significant planning benefits for an alternative location. 2.3 Accommodating a retiring farmer Image courtesy of Jamie Macvie When a farmer retires he/she may wish to continue to live on the farm, perhaps opting to work within the business on a part-time or occasional basis. With fewer people now employed full time in the agriculture industry, it is recognised that this element of flexibility can be of significant benefit to the efficiency and viability of an agricultural holding. In order to demonstrate the need to accommodate an agricultural worker on a yearround basis, an assessment from the Scottish Agricultural College, or other recognised agricultural assessor, must be submitted with any planning application. The purpose of this policy is to enable retiring farmers to move out of their residence within a working farm holding and into a new dwelling house in order that their successors, and their family, may take up residence in the main farmhouse. For the purpose of this policy, planning benefits for an alternative location to that specified within criterion 2 above would include landscape impact, flood risk and built heritage considerations. An example of a specific functional requirement that would necessitate an alternative location would be where a worker is required to oversee lambing and this takes place at a site which is remote from the farmhouse. Proposals for the erection of a single dwelling house will be supported on those occasions where a farmer, who is both owner and occupier of an active farm holding at the time of application, intends to retire from farming and pass on the farm and associated holding to a family member where; 8 Prior to planning permission being issued, the proposed dwelling house will be subject to a planning condition or, where necessary, a Section 75 legal agreement tying it to the farming operation thereby preventing its future independent sale. Whilst the planning condition/legal agreement will in no way restrict the identity or occupation of who may reside within the approved dwelling house, it will serve to ensure that the dwelling house remains linked to the farm to provide accommodation for an agricultural worker should the need arise again in the future. 1. the proposed dwelling house is sited within the same agricultural holding as the farmhouse from which the farmer is retiring; and 2. the proposed dwelling house is located within the same group of buildings as the existing farmhouse and associated steading, unless there are demonstrable planning benefits for an alternative location. Only one such dwelling house for a retiring farmer may be delivered through this criteria per agricultural holding. Siting the new building in close proximity to the existing farm buildings will ensure that a functional link between the buildings on the holding remain, and will allow for the retiring farmer and all future occupiers of the Housing Development in the Countryside to provide 24 hour supervision at an existing rural business, which has been operating for in excess of 2 years, the erection of a single dwelling house to accommodate a worker will be supported where; property to effectively contribute to the ongoing operation of the farm holding. For the purpose of this policy, planning benefits for an alternative location to that specified within criterion 2 above would include landscape impact, flood risk and built heritage considerations. Prior to planning permission being issued, the main residence within which the retiring farmer currently resides, along with the proposed new dwelling house, will be subject to a planning condition or, in exceptional cases, a Section 75 legal agreement tying both properties to the farming operation by preventing any future independent sale. The purpose of this planning condition/legal agreement is in no way to restrict who may reside within the dwelling house in the long-term, but rather to ensure that any dwelling house provided through this policy will remain linked to the farm in order that it may also be utilised when the next generation of farmers comes to retire, thereby preventing any future need to erect further dwelling houses for the same purpose. 2.4 Provision of 24 hour supervision for a rural business Certain rural businesses, such as a food processing enterprise, rely on someone being available on the premises at any time of day or night. Where there is a demonstrable need 1. the applicant submits evidence which effectively demonstrates that the business has been operational for a minimum of 2 years; and 2. It has been demonstrated that regular supervision is required over a 24 hour period and that this supervision cannot be provided remotely. It must be demonstrated that on-site supervision is required for the operation of the business and that it would not be possible for the full-time worker to reside within a nearby settlement or alternative accommodation before planning permission is granted. Prior to planning permission being issued, the proposed dwelling house will be subject to a planning condition or, in exceptional circumstances, a Section 75 legal agreement tying it to the operation thereby preventing its future independent sale. Whilst the legal agreement will in no way restrict the identity or occupation of who may reside within the approved dwelling house, it will serve to ensure that the dwelling house remains linked to the rural business to provide accommodation should the need arise again in the future. 9 Housing Development in the Countryside Image courtesy of Stuart West 10 Housing Development in the Countryside Options for the utilisation of previously developed land Previously developed land is a potential source of opportunity for new development, and Scottish Planning Policy requires that planning authorities support and promote proposals to bring vacant or derelict land back into productive use for development or to create more attractive environments. The redevelopment of previously developed land in the wider countryside helps to restore buildings and landscapes that have been degraded, and provides a wide range of development opportunities. Applications to develop previously developed land through one of the four options for redevelopment outlined below will be supported. 3.1 Option 1 Brownfield Opportunity Site For the purpose of the interpretation of this policy, Brownfield Opportunity Sites are defined within Appendix 1 of this guidance. The erection of a single dwelling house on a Brownfield Opportunity Site will be supported, subject to the other policies in the Plan, where; 3 1. the proposed dwelling house is contained wholly within the boundary of the brownfield site; 2. the footprint of any building to be removed is sited wholly within the curtilage of the proposed dwelling; 3. the dwelling house has its own dedicated domestic curtilage and occupies a maximum of 33% of the overall site; and 4. the maximum domestic curtilage for any new house does not exceed 1/4 acre unless it is demonstrated that a larger curtilage would have no unacceptable impact on the character of the surrounding landscape. In exceptional circumstances under criterion 2 above, the footprint of the proposed dwelling house may be larger than that of the building to be removed where there is a demonstrable planning benefit with regard to amenity and design considerations. In no circumstances will the footprint of the proposed dwelling house exceed the footprint of the original building by more than 100%. In order to provide a more effective planning solution to the redevelopment of brownfield opportunity sites, on those occasions where more than one redundant non-domestic 11 Housing Development in the Countryside building exists, such as with some farm steadings and former wartime camps, it will be acceptable to produce a design statement and layout plan or a masterplan to ensure the most appropriate layout can be achieved. On such occasions all of the buildings to be replaced must be sited wholly within the application site and the restrictions on curtilage size outlined above will apply. Whilst it may be acceptable in exceptional circumstances, where there are demonstrable planning benefits, to add together the floor areas of all of the buildings to be replaced to work out the combined floorspace of the proposed new dwellings, on no account will it be possible to provide more dwellings on a site than there are redundant buildings to be replaced. In the case of complex examples it is recommended that pre-application discussions take place at an early stage with Development Management and that any masterplan be submitted at the Planning in Principle stage prior to the submission of any full application. Where planning permission is granted to erect a dwelling house on a Brownfield Opportunity Site, it will be necessary in certain circumstances to restrict permitted development rights through planning condition in order to protect the amenity of adjacent properties and the surrounding area. In exceptional circumstances, where there are demonstrable planning benefits for an alternative location (i.e. landscape or flooding) it will be acceptable to construct any new dwelling delivered through this route in an alternative location under the same ownership of the building to be replaced. In all cases, the replacement building should be situated in the closest suitable location that it is practical and appropriate to build upon where there will be no adverse impacts on the character and appearance of the area or the surrounding landscape and the restrictions on footprint and curtilage detailed above will apply. Where a dwelling is to be located in an alternative location, the original building must be completely demolished and the land must be restored to a standard commensurate with its surroundings prior to the commencement of development and this will be required by planning condition. 3.2 Option 2 Former dwelling house of historic merit The restoration, renovation and extension of a derelict dwelling house of historic merit as defined within Appendix 1 which features on, or satisfies the criteria for inclusion on, the Orkney Local List for re-use as a dwelling house will be supported where: The restrictions on curtilage under criteria 3 and 4 above ensure that there is an adequate provision of amenity space for the occupiers of the proposed dwelling house, whilst preserving the character and appearance of rural areas. 1. it is proposed to restore a former dwelling house which features on the local list and to extend it in a sympathetic and appropriate manner in accordance with the 5 core principles outlined in Supplementary Guidance Listed buildings and the Orkney local list. This criterion applies to any site where the building is largely intact, meeting the definition of a derelict or habitable property as defined in Appendix 1, and where evidence exists to demonstrate its original form. Image courtesy of Jamie Macvie 12 Where a detached new-build element of the redevelopment scheme is proposed, the original building must be restored for use as ancillary domestic accommodation as detailed within the planning application, or made fully wind and water tight to the specifications of the Planning Authority in preparation for subsequent restoration, prior to the occupation of the new accommodation. Housing Development in the Countryside Applications for planning permission will be supported where both the original building and the new-build element of the scheme share the same domestic curtilage and where any new structure relates to, and is fully compatible with, the original structure in terms of scale, form and orientation. Further information can be found with Supplementary Guidance Listed Buildings and the Orkney Local List. Redevelopment under this option will enable the restoration and re-use of former dwelling houses. In all cases where documentary or physical evidence does not exist to demonstrate that a building has previously been legitimately used as a dwelling house, redevelopment may take place through Option 3 detailed in Section 3.4 below. TWO FOR ONE In order to encourage the re-use of former dwelling houses of historic merit for the purpose for which they were originally constructed, proposals to erect a single independent dwelling house on land adjacent to the existing curtilage of a former dwelling house which features on the Orkney Local List will be supported where the applicant details how the original building will be fully restored in an appropriate manner for re-use as an independent dwelling house. Where a landowner proposes to restore a former dwelling house, which has been vacant for a period of at least 10 years and which meets the test of dereliction, in such a manner that it would thereafter be eligible for inclusion on the Local List, they could apply for a ‘2 for 1’ replacement in the same manner as a building which features on the Local List. On such occasions, early discussions should take place between the land owner, Planning Officers and Development and Marine Planning to ascertain whether the building would be eligible for inclusion on the Local List following restoration. If the building meets the test of dereliction but would not be eligible for inclusion on the Local List, it could still be replaced on a 1 for 1 basis under Option 4 below. demonstrated that a larger curtilage would have no unacceptable impact on the character of the surrounding landscape, settlement pattern or the setting of the original building. Any proposal to erect a new dwelling house and to restore the original building must form part of the same planning application even if the application site includes land for the new house that is beyond the curtilage of the original house and detail how the amenity of both dwellings will be protected and how adequate parking and outside domestic space will be provided. Prior to the occupation of any new dwelling house, the original building must be made fully wind and water tight, in an appropriate manner and to the specifications agreed by the Planning Authority, in preparation for its subsequent future restoration for re-use as a dwelling house. The Two for One Option will only be supported where it can be demonstrated beyond all reasonable doubt that the original dwelling house has been vacant for in excess of at least ten years. 3.3 Extending a former dwelling house of historic merit Many traditional buildings are unsuited to the demands of modern times owing to their size and, where necessary, the extension of houses of historic merit will be supported when carrying out restoration provided that it complies with the 5 Core Principles as defined within the Supplementary Guidance Listed buildings and the Orkney local list. It Is of particular importance that: 1. the original structure is clearly legible within the overall redevelopment scheme and is as close to its original form as is practicable; 2. any adjoining extension is of an appropriate scale and form to the host building; and 3. the extension is appropriate to the style of the original building. It will be acceptable to site the proposed dwelling within a new curtilage adjoining the original where there are demonstrable planning benefits and where the restrictions on plot size outlined below are met: 1. the proposed dwelling house has its own domestic curtilage and occupies a maximum of 33% of the overall site; and 2. the maximum domestic curtilage for any new house does not exceed 1/4 acre unless it is 13 Housing Development in the Countryside 3.4 Option 3 Non-domestic structures of historic merit Subject to the restrictions to extensions outlined below, the conversion of non-domestic buildings and structures of historic merit which feature on, or meet the criteria for inclusion on, the Orkney Local List will be supported for use as a dwelling house where its character can be effectively maintained and a minimum of 75% of the original structure will be retained within the redevelopment scheme. 3.5 Extending non-domestic structures of historic merit As the buildings to be considered in Option 3 were not originally designed for domestic use, in many cases it may be necessary to modernise, adapt and extend these structures to facilitate their effective use as such. In all cases, it is preferable to contain the proposed conversion within the original envelope of the structure. However, where it can be demonstrated that this is not possible, any extensions to the property must be sympathetically designed to complement the host building in accordance with the requirements of the Supplementary Guidance Listed Buildings and the Orkney Local List. Any necessary extension must be subservient to the host building, and the original structure must be clearly legible within the proposed scheme. The footprint of any extension must not exceed that of the original building or structure to be incorporated into the redevelopment proposal, and all new build elements of the scheme must directly connect to the host building or structure 14 Bespoke designs that are particular to an individual building, and which take direct inspiration from the original structure, are fundamental to obtaining approval for applications considered under Option 3 NonDomestic Structures of Historic Merit. TWO FOR ONE In order to encourage the re-use of buildings and structures of historic merit to prevent them falling into a ruinous state, proposals to erect a single independent dwelling house on land adjacent to the proposed curtilage of a non-domestic structure of historic merit, which meets the criteria for inclusion on the Orkney Local List, will be supported where the applicant details how the original building will be fully restored in an appropriate manner for re-use as an independent dwelling house or as ancillary domestic accommodation. The maximum domestic curtilage for any new house delivered through this option (including the dwelling formed as a result of the conversion) must not exceed 1/4 acre unless it is demonstrated that a larger curtilage would have no unacceptable impact on the character of the surrounding landscape, settlement pattern or the setting of the original building. In the case of development proposals relating to the 2 for 1 redevelopment of non-domestic structures of historic merit, works to the original structure must be completed prior to the commencement of works on the independent house or, alternatively, a S75 agreement and/or bond will be required to ensure a commitment to the restoration of the original building within a certain period to enable the release of monies to achieve this through the sale/development of the new-build house. Housing Development in the Countryside 3.6 Option 4 The replacement of an existing dwelling house During the early 20th Century there was a shift from using local and natural materials for the construction of buildings in distinct local styles toward a more uniform system using massproduced synthetic materials. In some instances, these dwelling houses, often built of concrete block, are now in need of replacement. Throughout the Orkney countryside there also exist examples of converted wartime buildings which have been adapted for domestic use and later structures, such as blocked-in caravans, which are legitimately in use as dwelling houses, which are substandard, are impractical and are unsuitable for use as living accommodation. Potential replacement properties are not limited solely to these examples, however, and it may be the case that the owner of a property has just cause to replace a more modern building that dates to recent times. The replacement of an existing habitable rural dwelling house, or a former dwelling house which meets the test of dereliction, with a single new dwelling house will be supported where it does not feature on the Orkney Local List. Whilst there is no requirement for any replacement building to be of the same proportions or size as the original, it should be located in the same position as the building to be removed unless there are demonstrable planning benefits for an alternative location. Only one replacement dwelling house may be delivered per existing house through this route and planning conditions will require that the original dwelling house must be completely dismantled prior to the commencement of the construction of the replacement building. This option applies primarily to dwelling houses which are not constructed of natural or local materials using traditional methods. The Council recognises that, on occasion, a property which is occupied and is in use as a dwelling house is either unsustainable or is of poor quality/design and is failing as a building. In these instances it may be desirable to replace the building with a more suitable alternative, which meets the demands of modern regulations and modern living. On those occasions where a derelict vernacular or traditional building, which does not feature on the Local List, is to be replaced through option 4, the applicant must re-use the natural materials in the redevelopment scheme wherever possible. This option only applies in those cases where documentary or physical evidence exists to demonstrate beyond all reasonable doubt that a building has been legitimately been used as a dwelling house in the past. In all cases the original curtlilage should be utilised for the new house. A maximum curtilage of ¼ acre should apply where there is no distinct curtilage, unless it is demonstrated that a larger curtilage would have no unacceptable impact on the surrounding landscape or settlement pattern. A landowner may desire to restore a former dwelling house which has been vacant for a period of at least 10 years, and which meets the test of dereliction, in such a manner that it would thereafter be eligible for inclusion on the Local List. This would enable them to apply for a ‘2 for 1’ replacement in the same manner as a former dwelling house which features on the Local List (Option 2). On such occasions, early discussions should take place between the land owner, Planning Officials and the Development and Marine Planning, to ascertain whether the building would be eligible for inclusion on the Local List and how the restoration should take place. If the building meets the test of dereliction but would not be eligible for inclusion on the Local List, it could only be replaced on a 1 for 1 basis. Image courtesy of Jamie Macvie 15 Housing Development in the Countryside 16 Housing Development in the Countryside Further information 4 It is recommended that the following sources of planning advice are read in conjunction with this guidance: Scottish Government (2010) Scottish Planning Policy www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/02/03132605/0 Scottish Government (2005) Planning Advice Note 72 Housing in the Countryside Orkney Islands Council (2011) Supplementary Planning Guidance Listed buildings and the Orkney Local List. Orkney Islands Council (2011) Supplementary Planning Guidance Natural Heritage. Scottish Government (2006) The conversion of redundant farm steadings to other uses www.scotland.gov.uk/ Publications/2002/02/10652/File-1 Scottish Natural Heritage Bats in buildings www.snh.gov.uk 17 Housing Development in the Countryside 18 Housing Development in the Countryside ACCESS TO NEW DEVELOPMENT The development of new properties has the potential to have a significant impact on the existing public road network. In all circumstances, the first option should be to utilise an existing access and to upgrade any junction as necessary (this is particularly important in instances where it is proposed to subdivide an existing dwelling or its curtilage). Appendix 1 Key definitions and policy test A1 A developer should provide information regarding vehicular and pedestrian access and egress to the site during construction and upon completion of the works and it may be necessary for the developer to carry out improvements to the existing road network to accommodate the development. In instances of large-scale development proposals, it may be necessary to provide a Transport Assessment or Statement. Brownfield Opportunity Sites For the purpose of this supplementary guidance and for the interpretation of Policy C1 of the Plan, a Brownfield Opportunity Site includes the following: 1. Areas of contaminated land, as defined Planning Advice Note 33, which will be fully investigated and remediated during the redevelopment process where it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Council that; a) it is likely that the site is contaminated; b) the contamination is directly attributable to the former non-agricultural use of the land (i.e. landfill, quarry, industry, military, etc); and c) it excludes those areas that include upstanding buildings and structures which feature on the Orkney Local List. In all cases the entirety of the site suspected to be contaminated must be fully investigated and, if necessary, remediated to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority prior to the commencement of development. In the case of large-scale sites such as former military camps, the entire area must form part of the planning application and the maximum number of houses that may be delivered per 19 Housing Development in the Countryside derelict below are eligible for replacement under option 4 of this guidance. individual site would be limited to 4 regardless of the scale of the site to be cleared. Where the contaminated land to be redeveloped is of such a scale that it will enable the development of more than one dwelling house, a design statement and layout plan or masterplan should be produced to deliver the most effective planning solution that can be achieved. In the case of larger or complex sites it is recommended that pre-application discussions take place with Development Management and that any masterplan be approved at the Planning in Principle stage. 2. Agricultural and non-residential buildings, including former wartime buildings which do not fall to be considered under Option 3 Nondomestic structures of historic merit, where it can be demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that they are truly redundant and where they meet the test of dereliction. In all cases it must be demonstrated that there is no need for a replacement building which could be effectively accommodated on the same site. 3. Any unlisted, non-domestic building of historical merit, as defined within Appendix 1, which meets the test of dereliction, where both a structural engineer’s report and the Council, or their appointed agents, have confirmed that it cannot be effectively incorporated into a redevelopment scheme through Option 3 Non-Domestic Structures of Historic Merit and where the footprint of the replacement building will not exceed by more than 100% that of the original to be replaced. Building condition: habitable, derelict or ruinous? 20 Establishing the condition of a building or structure is of particular importance in ensuring compliance with Policy C1 of the Plan and this policy guidance. For the avoidance of doubt, a building which is derelict is one which has been abandoned or neglected to such an extent that it faces ruin without intervention. Once a building has deteriorated beyond the definition of dereliction below, it is judged to have become ruinous for the purpose of this policy. Buildings which do not feature on the Local List and accord with the definitions of habitable or In exceptional circumstances where there are demonstrable planning benefits for an alternative location (i.e. landscape, flooding) it will be acceptable to construct any new dwelling delivered through this route in an alternative location to the building to be replaced through options 2 and 3 above. In all cases, the replacement building should be situated in the closest suitable location that it is practical and the restrictions on footprint and curtilage outlined at 3.1 within the supplementary guidance will apply. Habitable A habitable property is one within which it is possible to live or occupy with little or no structural renovation. For the purpose of this guidance, a habitable property is one which is wind and water tight, or can be made so with minimal repairs and/or the installation of windows and doors; which contains services and which retains all external walls and a roof. Derelict For the purpose of this policy, a building which has fallen into significant disrepair is considered to be derelict. If a building conforms to the following definition then it remains derelict as opposed to ruinous: ‘at least 50% of the building’s walls must remain to a height of 1 metre and the walls must be in such a condition that they may be incorporated into any restoration project without the need for their being dismantled and reconstructed.’ In order to effectively demonstrate that a building meets the above definition, it will be necessary on occasion to submit a report by a suitably qualified professional in support of any planning application. Where a building has been abandoned for an extended period, or has fallen into a state of disrepair, but it clearly meets the above definition by virtue of its condition or completeness then no such report will be necessary. In order to demonstrate that an unlisted building of historic merit may not be effectively incorporated into a restoration project through Option 2 Former dwelling houses featured on the Local List or Option 3 Non-domestic structures of historic Housing Development in the Countryside merit, it will be necessary to submit a report by a suitably qualified professional in support of any planning application to demolish the building or structure and replace it through Option 1 Brownfield opportunity sites or Option 4 Replacement of existing dwelling houses. Ruinous For the purpose of this guidance, if a building has deteriorated to such an extent that it does not meet the above definition of dereliction, it is considered to be a ruin. Curtilage For the purpose of this policy the curtilage of a dwelling house defines the extent of the land associated with the building, which is used and maintained as domestic space. The curtilage is often demarked by a boundary wall or fence and contains a lawn or garden, drying area, vegetable patch and any outbuildings which are ancillary to the property such as sheds, stores or garages. When applying for planning permission to erect a dwellinghouse, the extent of the application site will ultimately define the extent of the domestic space or garden ground of the property. Contaminated Land For the purpose of this guidance, contaminated land comprises any land where the presence or suspected presence of contaminants is an obstacle to development, regardless as to whether development is proposed. Contaminated land may represent a potential risk to human health or the environment through: 1. the direct uptake of contaminants into the food chain or ecosystems; 2. direct ingestion or inhalation of, or contact with, contaminants; 3. contamination of water resources; 4. fire and explosion of combustible contaminants; and 5. attack on building materials and services by corrosive contaminants. Examples of evidence of suspected contamination which must support any application for planning permission would include an ordinance survey map or official documentation which confirms a previous land use which could potentially cause contamination (e.g. landfill, refuse site, military, industrial, fuel sales/storage, etc). Historic Merit Buildings which are deemed to be of historic merit will be entered onto the Orkney Local List. For the purposes of this policy, buildings and structures of historic merit have been categorised as follows: Non-traditional buildings and structures of historic merit In addition to Orkney’s vernacular domestic and non-domestic buildings, which are constructed using natural materials and traditional methods, certain other buildings are also considered to be of historic merit for the purpose of this guidance. The most prolific of which are the structures that were constructed by the armed forces during the first half of the Twentieth Century. Wartime structures of concrete, brick and stone can be found in abundance throughout the County, exemplifying the importance of Orkney throughout the two great wars of the Twentieth Century. Having been built to fulfil a specific purpose, the wartime structures are purely functional in appearance and are not embellished or unnecessarily elaborate in any 21 Housing Development in the Countryside way. Former coastal defence batteries often host engine houses, observation towers and gun emplacements, whist the inland camps and airfields in some instances maintain austere functional structures and former recreational facilities. In addition to the wartime examples above, further instances of historically significant buildings exist which may not be constructed using local or natural materials, such as the erections of the lighthouse board or particular structures associated with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Image courtesy of Jamie Macvie as Welsh and Caithness slate for roofing, the imported materials have weathered sufficiently to blend in with the surrounding landscape. Traditional buildings and structures of historic merit Image courtesy of Doug Houghton 22 There are examples of historic buildings and structures throughout the Orkney countryside that are of significant historic or architectural merit. Nineteenth century agricultural housing, erected by the owners of Orkney’s estates, often emulated the earlier vernacular longhouses, although these were generally built to conform to strict plans. Likewise, the grand houses of lairds in the 18th and 19th centuries, along with the churches, manses, schools and model farmhouses of the 19th century, were primarily architect designed, as opposed to being a direct response to local conditions, and similar structures were constructed across a much wider geographic area than is the case with Orkney’s vernacular architecture. Although designed by architects, much of this rural architecture utilises local building materials in its construction, and on those occasions where materials are sourced from further afield, such As there is a distinct shortage of local natural building stone and slate available today, any structure in Orkney which has been constructed using these materials, and is largely in its original form, is considered to be of some historic merit and may feature on the Orkney Local List. All structures which are constructed predominantly using natural materials, and using traditional methods and skills, are likewise considered to be of historic merit as they are testament to a period and style of construction which is seldom, if ever, utilised locally in modern times and are also often featured within the local list. Vernacular Buildings Vernacular building styles are often shared by a community and display a traditional expertise in design and construction, utilising locally available materials in response to functional, social and environmental constraints. The vernacular architecture of Orkney is representative of the Housing Development in the Countryside community’s historical interaction with the land, demonstrating the ingenuity of the agricultural community, and is an important element of the cultural heritage of the inhabitants of the County. Orkney’s domestic vernacular architecture is easily recognisable in the early longhouses that remain in rural areas. These buildings are often characterised by thick walls, constructed using stone from local quarries, by flagstone roofs and floors and often feature adjoining byres that would have originally housed the beasts of the occupants. The traditional Orkney longhouse is often orientated to address local climatic conditions and the windows commonly face toward the south. Orkney’s non-domestic vernacular architecture includes mills, stores and agricultural steadings. These structures are likewise constructed using local natural materials and their design was originally directed by the functional requirements of the builders and topographic and environmental constraints. The ‘One for One’ policies of recent times have resulted in many of Orkney’s vernacular buildings being replaced by modern structures. As this lost architectural heritage is the product of a bygone era, the number of remaining buildings constructed using materials and techniques of a local provenance have dwindled throughout Orkney, especially on the Mainland. In order to arrest this decline, and in order to retain as much of Orkney’s cultural heritage as is practicable, the Plan seeks to ensure that the most significant of the remaining structures are retained through re-use, and by providing alternative opportunities for delivering new build opportunities. Natural materials Natural materials are those which occur naturally and, while they may be worked by man, they are neither synthetically manufactured nor are they artificial composites. Examples of such materials include stone, earth, clay, slate and timber. Redundant Buildings A building or structure will only be considered redundant for the purpose of this policy where it can be effectively demonstrated by the applicant that it is truly unsuitable for its previous use by virtue of its size and location (in the case of agricultural buildings, an agricultural adviser may be asked to arbitrate) or where it can be demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that it has remained vacant for a period of ten years. Vacant Buildings For the purpose of this policy, a vacant building or structure is one which is empty, unoccupied or inactive due to either the lack of current need on the part of the present owner or the absence of a tenant. A building or structure may not be considered to be redundant unless it remains vacant for a period of ten years. The Orkney Local List Where a building is deemed to be of historic merit in terms of its construction and condition or historical association in a local or national context, although it may not be featured on the statutory list maintained by Historic Scotland, it may be entered on to the Orkney Local List. Further information of the criteria for inclusion within the Orkney Local List, and how this affects the property, can be found within the Listed Buildings of the Orkney Local List supplementary guidance document. 23 Housing Development in the Countryside 24