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DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT
APPROPRIATE USES IN GREEN BELTS
22. A strong presumption against inappropriate development in the green belt is an established part of green belt policy. Development plans will define the uses that are appropriate in individual green belts. These may include:
- Agricultural uses, including the re-use of historic agricultural buildings in keeping with their surroundings;
- Woodland and forestry, including community woodlands;
- Horticulture, including market gardening (but not retailing unconnected with or out-of-scale with this purpose); and
- Recreational uses that are compatible with an agricultural or natural setting.
23. New development in the green belt must be of suitable scale and form for the location. Many uses will only be appropriate when the intensity is low and any built elements are ancillary to the main use, small-scale and of high quality design. The reuse of buildings of architectural or historic merit should be viewed positively. Designing Places and the related Planning Advice Note series are particularly relevant. Public transport and access by walking and cycling will be required for uses that will attract a significant number of visitors.
24. Much of the land within green belts is rural in nature. SPP15: Planning for Rural Development recognises that the need for agricultural land is decreasing and there is a need for diversification of the rural economy. It is acknowledged that this may lead to additional development in urban fringe land covered by green belt policy. Development proposals, however, must still meet the requirements set out in paragraph 22.
TREATMENT OF ESTABLISHED USES
25. Existing settlements should be explicitly excluded from green belt designations, as should major educational and research uses, major business and industrial operations and airports, to allow for growth and change. All other uses should be covered by the green belt designation to afford a greater level of control over new development. Intensification of established uses may be appropriate, subject to the criteria in paragraph 23.
PROPOSALS FOR NON-CONFORMING USES
26. Where a proposed use would not normally be consistent with green belt designation, exceptionally it may still be considered appropriate, either as a national priority or to meet an established need, and only if no other suitable site is available. These exceptions to the policy should be highlighted in the development plan to allow for wide publicity and engagement.
27. Existing institutions in large grounds may be redeveloped where they are no longer needed for their original purpose. Ideally, proposals should be identified in the development plan. In all cases, every effort should be made to redevelop within the existing built envelope (generally the buildings, outbuildings and associated hardstanding). In exceptional circumstances, new development may be acceptable as part of a comprehensive redevelopment scheme, where it enables the successful conversion of existing listed buildings. NPPG18: Planning and the Historic Environment sets out policy on enabling development.
28. Proposals for non-conforming uses will also need to be sympathetic in scale and form and to link with walking, cycling and public transport provision, as noted in paragraph 23.
DEPARTURES FROM THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
29. Applications for development in the green belt which do not conform to the development plan shall be subject to the notification arrangements set out in Scottish Office Circular 4/1997: Notification of Planning Applications.
30. The Planning etc. (Scotland) Bill introduced to Parliament on 20 December 2005, proposes enhanced scrutiny for developments that are significantly contrary to the development plan, including pre-application consultation with local people and local authority hearings before the decision is taken on the application.
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