This policy has been superseded by:
PPS6-Planning,Archaeology and the Built Heritage 1157KB

Changing patterns of rural life mean that a range of traditional buildings of architectural or historic merit, including some that have been listed, are no longer needed for their original use. These include mills, schools, churches, and the like.

Residential use may be the key to the preservation of these buildings. As an exception to the the normal policy of constraint in Green Belts and CPAs, need will not have to be proven to justify historic only, the new residential use, subject to certain design constraints.

Each proposal will be determined on its merits. The policy only refers to sympathetic changes of use and such new dwellings are not and do not become replacement opportunities. The development proposal must be conversion of a building of merit, requiring a minimum of work to convert. The conversion should maintain or enhance the existing character of the building - see policy CON 4. Design is particularly important, as it is the character of existing buildings that is the basis for making an exception to strict planning control. Approval will not be given to a redevelopment scheme involving substantial demolition of a building of merit or large extensions.

The residential curtilage to be created, as part of the proposal to convert the building, should not have a harmful effect on the nual character of the countryside, particularly in areas of high quality landscape.