Local List Glossary

When is this required?

• applications for permanent or temporary rural workers dwellings (including conversions) in a Countryside location sought on the basis of Policy DM28: Rural Workers Dwellings; and
• applications for a self-contained residential unit attached to a main farm residence sought on the basis of Policy DM29: Farmer Family Attached Accommodation.

What information is required?

For a permanent rural worker dwelling, evidence is required to demonstrate that:

• there is an established essential functional need for a full-time worker to support the operation of the rural enterprise; and
• the rural enterprise has been established for at least three years, during which time the business has been in profit for at least one year, that it is currently financially sound and there is a clear prospect of it remaining so, up to date accounts verified by an appropriately qualified person will be required; and
• there is no dwelling available at the rural enterprise or a nearby settlement for occupation by the worker and there is no possibility of adapting a building at the rural enterprise.

For temporary rural workers accommodation, sought to support a rural enterprise, which is not well established, evidence is required to demonstrate that:

• there is an established essential functional need for a full-time worker to support the operation of the rural enterprise;
• there is a firm intention and ability to develop the related rural enterprise and that it has been planned on a sound financial basis. as set out in a detailed business plan; and
• there is no dwelling available at the rural enterprise or a nearby settlement for occupation by the worker and there is no possibility of adapting a building at the rural enterprise.

For a Farmer Attached Accommodation evidence will be required to demonstrate that:

• the sought accommodation could not otherwise be provided through the conversion of a rural building on the basis of Policy DM27: Re-use of Disused and Redundant Rural Buildings;
• the family connection between the intended occupants and the principal farmer;
• one of more of the intended occupants of the attached accommodation are employed on the holding at a combined level equivalent to at least one full time worker; and
• there is an operational agricultural enterprise on the holding.

Relevant policy and reason for the document

North Devon and Torridge Local Plan 2011-2031: http://consult.torridge.gov.uk/portal/planning/localplan/adoption/

North Devon and Torridge Local Plan Policy ST07: Spatial Strategy for Northern Devon's Rural Area.

North Devon and Torridge Local Plan Policy DM28: Rural Workers Dwellings

North Devon and Torridge Local Plan Policy DM29: Farmer Family Attached Accommodation

National Planning Policy Framework paragraph 79: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2

Further information sources:

Rural Workers Supplementary Planning Document: https://www.torridge.gov.uk/SPDS and https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/council/strategies-plans-and-policies/environment-and-planning-policies/local-plan/supplementary-planning-documents-spds/ .