Planning in North Kesteven

Accessibility

Planning permission will be granted for developments that will create publicly accessible open areas, provided that satisfactory provision is made within those areas for circulation and access to any relevant buildings by disabled people and other people whose mobility is impaired or in any other way restricted.

Public access to the countryside

Planning permission will be granted for proposals that will increase public access to the countryside.

River Slea Navigation Corridor

The River Slea Navigation Corridor (as shown on the Proposals Map) will be safeguarded from development which would prevent restoration of the canal to a navigable state, or adversely affect public access.

Holiday caravan and camping sites

Planning permission will be granted for the development of a holiday caravan or camping site provided that: 1. The traffic generated by the proposal can be safely accommodated on the local highway network; 2. Ancillary buildings are limited to those needed to service the site; and 3. Any necessary built facilities will be provided by the re-use of existing buildings; or 4. Where the re-use of existing buildings is not feasible, new buildings are located and designed to minimise their impact upon the character or appearance of their surroundings.

Protecting existing recreational open space and built sports facilities

Planning permission will be granted for development on an existing recreational open space, or built sports facility only if: 1. The proposal would enhance or improve the recreational use of the site; 2. A replacement recreational site of equivalent or better facilities has been or shall be provided elsewhere in the area, (the replacement site would have to be equally accessible to the communities it serves); 3. Redevelopment of part of an existing site would protect and enhance the recreational value of the remainder; or 4. The applicant can demonstrate that there is evidence that there is no current need, nor any predicted future need for the facility.

Local recreational facilities

Planning permission will be granted for the development of new recreational open space or indoor sports facilities within, or outside but well-related to, the curtilage of any settlement (as shown on the Proposals Map), provided that the development will serve the recreational needs of the immediate area only.

Advertisements and advance directional signs in the countryside

Consent will be granted for advertisements and advance directional signs to be displayed within the countryside only where: 1. An advertisement which relates to, and is displayed on existing commercial or industrial premises; or 2. An advance directional sign required to direct traffic to a business or activity located a short distance off the road along which the sign is proposed to be displayed; and where 3. Public safety will not be compromised; and 4. The character or appearance of the countryside will not be adversely affected.

Design

Planning permission will be granted for development, only if it will: 1. Reinforce local identity and 2. Not adversely affect the character or appearance of its surroundings; And 3. Existing site features that contribute positively to the character or appearance of the area are retained, and satisfactorily incorporated into the design; 4. The proposal responds satisfactorily to its context in terms of its layout, scale, massing, height, density, detailing, external appearance, and the use of materials, and 5. The proposal has a cohesive character, and adds interest and vitality to its surroundings.

Landscaping

Planning permission will be granted for development provided that appropriate provision is made for high-quality landscaping which will:- a) protect and enhance the existing landscape and townscape character; b) satisfactorily integrate the development with its surroundings; c) protect the amenities of occupiers of the development and nearby occupiers; d) retain and incorporate key landscape features on the site; e) provide appropriate levels of open space within the development.

External lighting schemes

Planning permission will be granted for proposals which include a scheme of external lighting, only if the proposed lighting scheme: 1. Will not compromise highway safety; 2. Will not adversely affect the amenities of nearby land-users; and 3. Will not adversely affect the character of the area. Where it is necessary to safeguard amenity or to prevent the wasteful use of energy resources, conditions will be attached to planning permissions requiring lights not required for safety or security to be extinguished at an appropriate curfew time.

Effects upon amenities

Planning permission will be granted for proposals, provided that they will not adversely affect the amenities enjoyed by other land users to an unacceptable degree.

Community safety

Planning permission will be granted for proposals, provided that the proposed land use and/or design will not result in an unacceptable risk of criminal or anti-social behaviour.

Decoy Farm Business Park

Planning permission will be granted for the development of office, research and development, studio and laboratory, high tech or light industrial uses, as defined by Use Class B1 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987, as may be amended, on the land defined as a Business Park on the Proposals Map. Development of the land should accord with the Decoy and Fen Farms' Joint Development Brief (August 1996).

Major office development

Planning permission will be granted for new development or a change of use to office accommodation, provided that potential sites are selected in accordance with the following search sequence: (a) locations in the existing town centres of North Hykeham and Sleaford or allocated employment development sites; (b) edge-of-centre sites in those existing centres which are or will be well-connected to the centres; (c) out-of-centre sites, with preference given to sites which are or will be well-served by a choice of means of transport and which are close to the centre and are likely to form links with the centre. Preference will be given to proposals which make better use of previously-developed land and buildings, and to sites which are well served by public transport.

Employment development in the countryside

Planning permission will be granted for new development, redevelopment, and/or expansion of development falling within Classes B1 (b) and (c), B2 or B8 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 in the countryside (as shown on the Proposals Map), only if a countryside location is essential and the development cannot be located in an existing employment area, on land allocated for employment use or on land within a settlement curtilage, and: - (a) it is of a scale appropriate to meet identified local employment needs; (b) there is safe access and sustainable accessibility to the site; (c) it will contribute to the rural economy of the area; (d) it will protect the quality and character of the countryside; (e) where appropriate, it involves the replacement of suitably located existing buildings of permanent design and construction where this would result in a more acceptable and sustainable development than could be achieved through conversion. Previously-developed land, and sites adjacent to a settlement curtilage will be given preference, although sites elsewhere in the countryside will be considered where no other suitable location can be found. Where appropriate, planning permission may be granted subject to a condition removing permitted development rights to change the nature of activities or use, or to extend the buildings.

Employment development sites

Planning permission will be granted for development falling within Classes B1 (b) and (c), B2 or B8 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 on Existing Employment Areas, Employment Allocations or Employment Sites with Planning Permission (as shown on the Proposals Map), subject to the phasing proposals for the Lincoln Policy Area set down in this Plan. Planning permission will be granted for retail development on these sites, provided that: 1. The use proposed is minor in scale and caters primarily for the needs of the area's workforce; or 2. They have satisfied the sequential approach set out in Policy R1 if considered to be bulky goods retail developments.

Conversion of buildings in the countryside to non-residential use

Planning permission will be granted for the conversion of a building in the countryside to non-residential use, provided that: 1. The existing building is of permanent and substantial construction, and is capable of conversion without major reconstruction; and 2. Any extensions proposed are in keeping with the scale, character and setting of the original building.

Farm Diversification

Planning permission will be granted for proposals to establish non-agricultural business uses on farm holdings, provided that the proposal will be of a scale consistent with its rural location, will not harm the viability of existing agricultural activity, and where feasible any necessary built facilities will be provided through the conversion of existing buildings.

Protection of existing employment sites or buildings

Planning permission will be granted for the establishment of a non-employment use on land or buildings that were last used for employment purposes, only if: 1. The loss of the land or building will not adversely affect the employment opportunities both in the short term and over the remainder of the plan period, and also the immediate locality and wider area. 2. Continued use of the site or building for employment purposes would adversely affect the character or appearance of its surroundings, amenities of neighbouring land-uses or traffic conditions, that would otherwise be significantly alleviated by the proposed use; or 3. The existing site or building is no longer capable of providing an acceptable standard of accommodation for employment purposes

Renewable energy

Planning permission will be granted for development providing for, or associated with, the generation and distribution of energy from renewable sources provided that: 1. the environmental, economic and social impacts can be addressed satisfactorily; 2. the proposal minimises the landscape and visual effects of the development through appropriate siting, design and landscaping schemes; 3. where the proposal would have an adverse effect on a site of international importance for nature and heritage conservation, there is no alternative solution and there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest; 4. where the proposal is in a nationally designated area, the objectives of the designation of the area will not be compromised, and any adverse effects on the qualities of the area are outweighed by the environmental, social and economic benefits.

Energy efficiency

Planning permission will be granted for the development of new residential, office, retail, community, commercial, industrial, leisure, recreational or entertainment buildings, provided that the applicant can show that every reasonable effort has been made to maximise energy efficiency.

Development involving horses

Planning permission will be granted for development involving the keeping and riding of horses for recreational and/or commercial purposes in the countryside, provided that: 1. Adequate safe riding routes are available off-road (on public rights of way or by private agreement) or on quiet, minor roads, and there will be no adverse effects upon road safety; and 2. Any necessary built facilities will be provided by the re-use of existing buildings; or 3. Where the re-use of existing buildings is not feasible, new buildings are located and designed to minimise their impact upon the character and appearance of the countryside.

Flood risk

Planning permission will be granted for proposals, only if they will not: 1. Be at an unacceptable risk of flooding 2. Unacceptably increase flood risk elsewhere 3. Affect the integrity of existing flood defences to the level where they would not provide an acceptable standard of safety over the lifetime of the development. Priority will be given in permitting sites for development in descending order of the following flood zones:- • Flood Zone 1 – little or no risk – annual probability of flooding less than 0.1%; • Flood Zone 2 – low to medium risk – annual probability of river flooding 0.1% to 1.0%; • Flood Zone 3 – high risk – annual probability of river flooding 1.0% or greater. Where possible, new developments should result in the overall reduction of flood risk. All relevant planning applications must be accompanied by a flood risk assessment.

Pollution

Planning permission will be granted for developments that may be liable to pollute groundwater, a water body, a watercourse, air or soil, only if: 1. The occupiers or users of the development and the occupiers or users of other land are not exposed to unacceptable risk. 2. The area's flora or fauna will not be adversely affected; and 3. The quality of water, air or soil resources will not be adversely affected. 4. The general amenity of the area would not be unacceptably harmed.

Contaminated land

Planning permission will be granted for proposals affecting a contaminated site, provided that effective measures are to be taken to treat, control or contain any contamination in order that: 1. The occupiers or users of the development and the occupiers or users of other land are not exposed to unacceptable risk; 2. The District's flora or fauna will not be adversely affected; and 3. The contamination of other land or any watercourse, water body or aquifer does not occur.

Unstable land

Planning permission will be granted for development involving the erection of buildings or other structures on unstable, or potentially unstable, land, provided that practicable measures are to be taken to introduce sufficient load-bearing capacity to make the land capable of supporting the development without risk of damage to buildings on the site or nearby land, or injury to their occupiers. The measures proposed must be completed before building development begins.

Surface water disposal

Planning permission will be granted for development, provided that it includes measures designed to safely manage surface water run-off and, where feasible, minimise the increase in surface water run-off.

Water supply

Planning permission will be granted for development, provided that: 1. The applicant can show that every reasonable effort has been made to maximise the efficient use of water; and 2. The development does not result in a demand for water that will unacceptably deplete water resources.

Development in the countryside

Planning permission will be granted for development in the countryside (as shown on the Proposals Map), provided that it: 1. Will maintain or enhance the environmental, economic and social value of the countryside; 2. Will protect and, where possible, enhance the character of the countryside; 3. Cannot be located within or adjacent to a settlement; and 4. Will not attract or generate a large number of journeys, and is located to provide opportunities for access by public transport, walking or cycling.

Agricultural land quality

Planning permission will be granted for the development of the best and most versatile agricultural land, only if: 1. Previously-developed land, or land of a lower agricultural grade is not available to accommodate the proposed development; 2. Land of a lower agricultural grade, which is available to accommodate the proposed development, is subject to other sustainability considerations, including biodiversity, landscape, amenity or heritage interest, etc, which outweigh agricultural considerations; and 3. The development is proposed on land of the lowest possible grade.

Washlands

Planning permission will only be granted for proposals within washlands (as shown on the Proposals Map) if the development is for: 1. Essential transport or utilities infrastructure that is designed and constructed to remain operational at times of flood; or 2. Appropriate recreation, sport, amenity or conservation uses (provided adequate warning and evacuation procedures are in place), And will not: 3. Reduce the storage capacity of the washlands; 4. Impede water flows; or 5. Increase flood risk elsewhere.

Agricultural or forestry development

Planning permission will be granted for agricultural or forestry development, requiring planning permission, provided that the proposal: 1. Will not adversely affect the character or appearance of the countryside; and 2. Will not create noise, smell, dust or other disturbance that will adversely affect protected buildings to an unacceptable degree.

Hazardous installations and substances

Planning permission will be granted for hazardous installations or proposals that involve the presence of hazardous substances, only if: 1. The occupiers or users of other land are not exposed to unacceptable risk. 2. The quality of water, air or soil resources will not be adversely affected; and 3. Minimum separation distances (variable dependent upon the hazard concerned) from concentrations of population and areas of particular natural sensitivity or interest are achieved. Development proposals that may be sensitive to existing sources of hazard will be permitted only where the level of risk is considered acceptable and/or can be successfully mitigated.

Landscape Conservation

The Council will seek to protect the distinctive landscapes of the identified Landscape Character Areas and any special features which contribute to that character. Where development is acceptable, it will be required to contribute to the local distinctiveness of the area, be well integrated into the local landscape character, protect any features of importance to the local scene, and respect any important views.

Green Wedges

Planning permission will be granted for development within a Green Wedge (as defined on the Proposals Map), only if the development will not adversely affect: 1. The landscape setting of the City of Lincoln or any other settlement; 2. The appearance or landscape character of the Green Wedge; 3. The recreational value of the Green Wedge; and 4. The wildlife value of the Green Wedge. unless there is a need for the development which clearly overrides the importance of any adverse effects, such as the Lincoln Eastern Bypass. Where development is permitted the Council will, where appropriate, seek to enter into an agreement with the developer or will place a condition on the permission to require the implementation of measures to minimise, mitigate or compensate for any adverse effects.

Visual Amenity Areas

Planning permission will be granted for proposals that will adversely affect the amenity value of a Visual Amenity Area (as defined on the Proposals Map), only if there is a need for the development which clearly overrides the amenity value of the Area.

Trees of significant amenity value

Planning permission will be granted for proposals that will adversely affect a tree or trees protected by a tree preservation order or any other tree(s) of significant amenity value only if the need for the development clearly overrides the amenity value of the tree(s). Where permission is granted for a development that would involve the removal of a tree or trees, a condition may be applied to require the planting of an equivalent or greater number of trees on or near the site.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest

Planning permission will be granted for proposals that will directly or indirectly adversely affect a Site of Special Scientific Interest (as shown on the Proposals Map) only if: 1. The benefits of the development, on the site, clearly outweigh the likely impacts on the features of the site that make it of special scientific interest and any broader impacts on the national network of SSSIs; 2. The proposed development could not feasibly be located in a less sensitive location; and 3. Where appropriate, the implementation of measures to minimise, mitigate or compensate for the harm, or to ensure the future management and enhancement of the site's interest, is assured by means of an agreement between the developer and the Council or by means of a condition upon the permission.

County Wildlife Sites and Local Nature Reserves

Planning permission will be granted for proposals that will directly or indirectly adversely affect a County Wildlife Site or a Local Nature Reserve (as shown on the Proposals Map), only if: 1. There is a need for the development which clearly overrides the importance of the Site or Reserve; 2. The proposed development could not feasibly be located in a less sensitive location; and 3. Where appropriate, the implementation of measures to minimise, mitigate or compensate for the harm, or to ensure the future management and enhancement of the Site's interest, is assured by means of an agreement between the developer and the Council or by means of a condition upon the permission.

Features of importance for wildlife

Planning permission will be granted for proposals that will directly or indirectly adversely affect any habitat listed as a priority in the Lincolnshire Biodiversity Action Plan or an existing landscape feature (such as a pond, reservoir, lake, gravel pit, disused railway, road verge, river, canal or drain or their banks, building traditional field boundary (such as a hedgerow or stone wall), linear tree belt/shelter, plantation or small woodland, larger semi-natural or ancient woodland, heathland, parkland, semi-natural grassland or unimproved pasture) that is important for wild flora or fauna, only if: 1. The need for the development clearly override the importance of the feature; and 2. Where appropriate, the implementation of measures to minimise, mitigate or compensate for the harm, or to ensure the future management and enhancement of the feature's value, is assured by means of an agreement between the developer and the Council, or by means of a condition upon the permission.

Protected species

Planning permission will be granted for proposals that will adversely affect protected species or their habitat, only if: 1. The need for the development clearly override the importance of the protected species; 2. The proposed development could not feasibly be located in a less sensitive location; and 3. An agreement between the developer and the Council or a condition upon the permission will: a. Facilitate the survival of individual members of the species; b. Reduce disturbance to the minimum; c. Provide adequate alternative habitats to sustain at least the current levels of population of the species.

Sites containing nationally important archaeological remains

Planning permission will be granted for proposals that will not adversely affect the archaeological value or interest, or the setting, of a Scheduled Ancient Monument (as shown on the proposals map) or other site containing nationally important archaeological remains.

Local distinctiveness

Planning permission will be granted for proposals that will not adversely affect the contribution made by a locally important traditional building or structure to the character of its surroundings.

Advertisements in conservation areas, on listed buildings and on scheduled ancient monuments

Consent will be granted for advertisements to be displayed within conservation areas, or on listed buildings or scheduled ancient monuments provided that: 1. Public safety will not be compromised; and 2. The advertisement will not adversely affect; a. the architectural or historic interest or setting of a listed building or scheduled ancient monument; or b. the character or appearance of a conservation area.

Archaeological assessment and evaluation

Planning applications affecting a site where evidence suggests that archaeological remains are likely to be present must be accompanied by an assessment identifying the extent and importance of any remains, together with any proposals for their protection or to mitigate adverse effects.

Sites containing archaeological remains

Planning permission will be granted for proposals that will affect locally or regionally important archaeological remains or their setting, provided that: 1. The remains will be preserved in situ, and will not be damaged; or 2. Where preservation in situ is not justified, the recording and/or excavation of the remains prior to and during development is assured (by means of an agreement between the developer and the Council or by means of a condition upon the permission)

Demolition of a listed building

Planning permission will be granted for proposals involving the removal of the whole or substantially all of a listed building, provided it can be demonstrated that: 1. The building is beyond reasonable repair; or 2. Every reasonable effort has been made to continue its current use or find a compatible alternative use that would allow for the building's retention. Where permission is granted for the demolition of a listed building, and the creation of a cleared site will harm the character of the area, a condition will be applied to prevent demolition being carried out until a redevelopment scheme has been permitted and contractually secured. Where appropriate, planning permission will be granted subject to a condition requiring the recording of features to be lost.

Development affecting the setting of a listed building

Planning permission will be granted for proposals that will not adversely affect the setting of a listed building

Extension, alteration or change of use of a listed building

Planning permission will be granted for proposals to extend, alter or change the use of a listed building provided that they will not adversely affect the building's special architectural or historic interest.

Development in a conservation area

Planning permission will be granted for development (including new buildings, changes of use, alterations and extensions) within or adjoining conservation areas provided that it would preserve or enhance the area's character, setting and appearance.

Demolition within a conservation area

Planning permission will be granted for proposals involving the demolition of all or substantially all of an unlisted building in a conservation area provided that: 1. The building does not make a positive contribution to the character or appearance of the area; or 2. The building or structure is beyond reasonable repair; or 3. Every reasonable effort has been made to continue its current use or find a compatible alternative use that would allow for the building's retention Where permission is granted for demolition and a vacant site would harm the character of the area, a condition will be applied to prevent demolition being carried out until a redevelopment scheme has been permitted and contractually secured.

Historic parks and gardens

Planning permission will be granted for proposals, provided they will not adversely affect the character, appearance, or setting of any park or garden of special historic interest (as shown on the Proposals Map).

Conversion of buildings in the countryside to residential use

The conversion of a building in the countryside to a dwelling or dwelling units will be approved only where: 1. The applicant can show that every reasonable effort has been made to secure suitable business re-use; or 2. Residential conversion is part of a larger scheme for business re-use; And all of the following criteria are met: 1. The existing building is of permanent and substantial construction, and is capable of conversion without major reconstruction or extension; 2. The existing building is in keeping with its surroundings; 3. The proposal will not adversely affect the character or appearance of the building itself, nor the countryside. Where appropriate, planning permission will be granted subject to a condition removing permitted development rights to make extensions.

Agricultural and forestry workers' dwellings and dwellings associated with rural based enterprises

Planning permission will be granted for the construction of a new dwelling in the countryside only where: 1. It is proven to be necessary for the proper functioning of a farm, forestry or rural based enterprise for a full-time worker to live close to his or her place of work; 2. The unit and enterprise have been established for at least three years, have been profitable for at least one of them, are currently financially sound, and have a clear prospect of remaining so; 3. No other housing accommodation is available locally to meet the need; 4. The necessary accommodation cannot be provided by the conversion of a building on the holding; 5. The holding has not recently disposed of a dwelling or building suitable for conversion that could have met the identified need. 6. The proposed new dwelling is sited in a location that meets the identified need, and will not adversely affect the character or appearance of the countryside; and 7. The new dwelling is no larger than is justified by the needs of the unit, or more expensive to construct than the income of the enterprise can sustain. Where planning permission is granted, a condition on the permission will require the occupation of the dwelling to be limited to a person solely or mainly working, or last working, in the locality in agriculture, forestry or a rural based business, or a widow or widower of such a person, and to any resident dependants.

Removal of an occupancy condition

Planning permission will be granted for the removal of an occupancy condition where it is clear that there is no longer a need in the locality for a dwelling to accommodate someone solely, mainly or last working in agriculture, forestry or another rural based enterprise.

New housing in the countryside

Housing development in the countryside will be strictly controlled, and planning permission will only exceptionally be granted for the construction of a new dwelling where: 1. The design of the proposed dwelling is of exceptional quality and innovative in nature; 2. The proposed dwelling allows for the significant enhancement of its immediate setting and the wider environment; 3. The proposal will not adversely affect the character or appearance of the countryside.

Replacement dwellings in the countryside

Planning permission will be granted for the demolition of an existing dwelling in the countryside and the construction of a replacement dwelling, provided that: 1. The existing dwelling is not a temporary or mobile structure; 2. The residential use of the existing dwelling has not been abandoned; 3. The existing dwelling cannot be repaired or reinstated at reasonable cost; 4. The new dwelling is similar in size and scale to that which it replaces; and 5. The new dwelling will not adversely affect the character or appearance of the countryside. Where appropriate, planning permission will be granted subject to a condition removing permitted development rights to build extensions, or erect separate structures within the curtilage.

Conversion of buildings in the countryside to residential use

The conversion of a building in the countryside to a dwelling or dwelling units will be approved only where: 1. The applicant can show that every reasonable effort has been made to secure suitable business re-use; or 2. Residential conversion is part of a larger scheme for business re-use; And all of the following criteria are met: 1. The existing building is of permanent and substantial construction, and is capable of conversion without major reconstruction or extension; 2. The existing building is in keeping with its surroundings; 3. The proposal will not adversely affect the character or appearance of the building itself, nor the countryside. Where appropriate, planning permission will be granted subject to a condition removing permitted development rights to make extensions.

Housing

The Local Plan provides for the development of 8000 dwellings in the period 2001-2021. They will be distributed throughout the district in the following way:- Lincoln Policy Area - 5300 dwellings, Sleaford - 1700 dwellings, Rest of District - 1000 dwellings. Planning permission will be granted for the residential development of land only if:- a) the site is allocated for housing development in the local plan: or b) it is proposed on previously-developed land, or the applicant can demonstrate that no suitable alternative site is available on previously-developed land; and c) it complies with the criteria identified in the locational strategy set out in the local plan; and d) it complies with the housing requirements set out in the table in paragraph 4.10

Design and layout of residential development

Planning permission will be granted for a new housing development, that: 1. Creates a clear spatial structure of contrasting and clearly defined public spaces, building groups, streets and vistas; and 2. Includes a range and mix of housing types and sizes, building forms, plot sizes, heights, materials and development densities.

Density

Planning permission will be granted for residential development, provided that it achieves an average net site density of 30 dwellings per hectare (dpha). Densities above the minimum will be encouraged on sites with good public transport accessibility. Lower site densities may be acceptable where dictated by site conditions.

Public open space provision in new residential developments

Planning permission will be granted for a new housing development provided that provision is made for public open space to at least the following standards: 1. 5 square metres of amenity open space per person; 2. 8 square metres of children's play space per person; and 3. 16 square metres of outdoor sport facilities per person. Lesser provision will be acceptable if it can be proved that the location, scale or nature of a particular housing development is such that it will not generate or contribute to additional demands for such space.

Affordable Housing

The Council will require the provision of 35% of dwelling units on new developments as affordable housing, where: The development will create 5 or more dwellings or involves a site of 0.3 hectares or more; and a. a local need for affordable housing has been identified in the Council's Housing Needs Study or through another survey, the format and findings of which the Council has agreed; and b. the site is within reasonable distance of local services and facilities and public transport services; and c. the provision of affordable housing will not prejudice the economic viability of the development, or the realisation of other planning objectives which would outweigh the provision of affordable housing. For the purposes of this policy, affordable housing will include dwelling units provided at below market rents or prices, either as social-rented or intermediate housing. The Council may consider a lower proportion of affordable dwellings on sites where the developer can demonstrate that there are exceptional development costs which affect the viability of the development. Where the affordable housing is not to be managed by a registered social landlord, planning permission will be subject to conditions or legal agreements to ensure that priority is given to local people in occupying affordable housing, and to ensure that dwellings remain available in perpetuity for those in housing need.

Affordable housing on rural exceptions sites

Planning permission will exceptionally be granted for development providing affordable housing for local people on sites within, or outside but closely related to, the curtilages of any settlement except Sleaford and North Hykeham (as shown on the Proposals Map), which would not otherwise be considered suitable for residential development, provided that: 1. A local need for affordable housing has been identified in the Council's housing needs survey or through another survey, the format and findings of which the Council has agreed; 2. The need cannot reasonably be met on sites with residential planning permission or through residential allocations in this Plan; 3. The development will not adversely affect the character or appearance of the area; 4. The development is of a scale that is in keeping with the identified need, and the role, status and service base of the settlement; and 5. The site is within a reasonable distance of local services and facilities and public transport services. Unless the affordable housing is to be managed by a registered social landlord, any planning permission will be subject to conditions or agreements to ensure that local people in need of affordable homes will occupy the dwellings, and that all the benefits of low-cost provision will pass to the initial and to all subsequent occupants.

Residential development in settlements that do not have a curtilage line

Planning permission for the construction of a new dwelling in a settlement without a curtilage line will only be granted if it will meet a clearly identified local need and: 1. The proposed site is closely associated with an existing cohesive group of dwellings; 2. The proposal is for the construction of no more than a single dwelling or a pair of semi-detached dwellings; 3. The proposed development represents the filling of a small gap within the group or, more rarely, a minor extension to the group; 4. The proposed development will not create or extend ribbon or scattered development; and 5. The development will not adversely affect the character or appearance of the countryside, the group of dwellings, or the setting of the group within the landscape, and will not increase the pressure for similar development that would collectively cause adverse effects.

Residential development and environmental problems

Planning permission will be granted for new residential development provided that it will not be subject to adverse effects due to an established use that creates dust, smoke, fumes, noise, smell or vibration.

Gypsy sites

Planning permission will be granted for the development of a gypsy caravan site, provided that: 1. The site is within a reasonable distance of local services and facilities; 2. The nature, scale, design, siting, and level of traffic generated will not adversely affect the character or appearance of the area, nor the amenities of other land users; and 3. Adequate site services and amenities will be provided.

Sewage disposal

Planning permission will be granted for proposals that will give rise to foul sewage discharge, provided they include adequate provision for its collection, treatment and disposal. Wherever the opportunity exists, new development shall be served by mains foul sewers and sewage treatment works. Where it is impractical to provide mains foul sewerage, development shall be served by a package sewage treatment plant. Where it is impractical to provide mains foul sewerage or a package treatment plant, planning permission will be granted for proposals served by a septic tank or cesspool, provided that: 1. Ground conditions are shown to be suitable; and 2. The development site is of sufficient size to provide adequate land for the subsoil drainage system.

Infrastructure provision by developers

Planning permission will be granted for proposals that generate a need for additional facilities, services or infrastructure which are related directly to the development, provided that i) the proposals are on allocated sites or are acceptable under other policies in the Plan; ii) the necessary additional facilities, services or infrastructure are fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the proposed development, and will be provided as part of the development proposals or through financial contributions from the developers for the fair and reasonable costs of that provision, negotiated by way of a planning obligation. In appropriate circumstances, the Council will accept financial contributions in the form of lump-sum payments, endowments, or phased payments over a period of time.

Telecommunications developments

Planning permission will be granted for the development of telecommunications equipment provided that; 1. All reasonable measures to minimise adverse effects are incorporated; including siting, location, appearance and landscaping of apparatus designed to minimise impact on amenity in both the natural and built environment. 2. The proposal would not, in both countryside and urban locations, be visually intrusive in or harm the character and appearance of sensitive landscape areas of particular environmental importance and areas and buildings of architectural or historical importance which have been statutorily designated as being important, such as: Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's), Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Conservation Areas, Parks or Gardens of Special Historic Interest, Listed Buildings. In these locations, proposals should be sensitively designed and the developer must demonstrate there are no suitable alternative locations. Consideration will be given to the technical and operational constraints of operators. The Council will, as appropriate, consider proposals in accordance with national criteria and procedures, including: (a) assessing where some minor telecommunications equipment may not constitute development requiring planning permission ("de minimis"); (b) intervening, in certain circumstances, to seek relocation or removal of telecommunications apparatus installed under permitted development rights; (c) before certain telecommunications apparatus is installed under permitted development rights, determine whether Prior Approval is required for the siting and appearance of the development, in response to an operator's submission.

Development within settlement curtilages

Planning permission will be granted for development proposals within settlement curtilages (as shown on the Proposals Map), provided that they: 1. Will not adversely affect the character or appearance of the area; 2. Will not increase the pressure for similar development that would collectively cause adverse effects; and 3. Are in keeping with the provisions of the locational strategy.

Comprehensive development

Planning permission will be granted for proposals, provided that they will not prejudice the future development of other land identified for development in the Local Plan, in a planning application, or in a proposal which is under active consideration by the Council, by: 1. Preventing or hindering access to other land; or 2. Introducing a new use to an area that would be incompatible with the use intended for the wider area.

Safeguarding allocated sites

Planning permission will be granted for a proposal to develop an allocated site for any use other than that for which it is allocated, provided that the benefits of the proposal to the community outweigh the importance of the allocated use.

Golf courses

Planning permission will be granted for the development of a golf course, provided that: 1. New buildings are kept to the minimum necessary for the functioning of the golf course, and are designed and located to minimise their visual impact; and 2. The proposed development will not make it impractical to return the land to its former agricultural quality in the future.

Noisy sports

Planning permission will be granted for the development of noisy sports or recreation activities only if the proposal would not increase background noise levels to an unacceptable degree. A noise impact assessment will be required with the submission of a planning application.

Advertisements

Consent will be granted for the display of appropriate signs and advertisements on shops and other commercial premises, provided that: 1. The character or appearance of the building or the area will not be adversely affected; 2. Public safety will not be compromised; and 3. The amenities of the users or occupiers of nearby land or buildings will not be adversely affected.

Security Grilles and Shutters

Planning permission will be granted for the installation of external security grilles or shutters on the display windows of shops or other commercial premises, only if: 1. There is a clear and particular security risk; 2. The design and materials are in keeping with the character and appearance of the building and its surroundings; and 3. Wherever possible, visibility of the display window is maintained.

Retail and Town Centre Development

Planning permission will be granted for retail, service, indoor sport and recreation, and entertainment developments within an existing town centre provided that it is of a type and scale that is appropriate to the role of the particular centre, in accordance with the following sequential approach to site selection: - (i) development is directed firstly to existing centres where an identified need is to be met; (ii) if no suitable sites are found in existing centres then edge-of-centre locations and finally out-of-centre sites will be considered. The identified centres in North Kesteven are: 1. Sleaford Town Centre (as defined on the Proposals Map); 2. The established centres in North Hykeham (as defined on the Proposals Map); and 3. The centres of the service villages (as defined on the Proposals Map). Planning permission will be granted for such development outside these centres, only if: a. A clear need for both the proposed development and the proposed form of development has been demonstrated; b. It has been shown that there are no suitable sites within an appropriate centre; c. The site proposed is the closest to an appropriate centre that is suitable and can reasonably be made available for the type of development proposed; d. Adequate measures are to be taken to ensure that the development is accessible by public transport, foot and bicycle; and e. The proposed development will not (either by itself or in conjunction with other proposals that have been permitted or can reasonably be anticipated) harm the vitality and viability of any of the District's established town or service village centres, or any centre in an adjacent District; or f. The development proposed is minor in scale and caters exclusively for the locality, rather than depending on a wider catchment area for its viability.

Mixing uses within Sleaford Town Centre

Planning permission will be granted within Sleaford Town Centre (as shown on the Proposals Map) for developments involving the following range of uses: 1. Shops, services and offices within Use Class A1 and A2; 2. Food and drink outlets within Use Class A3; 3. Business uses within Use Class B1; 4. Houses and flats within Use Class C3; 5. Community facilities within Use Class D1; 6. Leisure facilities within Use Class D2; 7. Hotels within Use Class C1, provided that: a) The proposed development is compatible with the use of adjacent buildings and land; and, b) In the Main Shopping Streets (as shown on the Proposals Map): i. uses other than those within Use Classes A1, A2 and A3 are not located or concentrated in such a way as to detract from the vitality and viability of the area as a focus for shopping and other retail-oriented activities; ii. appropriate display windows are retained or incorporated in buildings used for purposes within Use Classes A1 and A2.

Safeguarding of existing facilities

Planning permission will be granted for proposals that will result in the loss of retail, social or community facilities that serve the local community, only if: 1. There are adequate alternative facilities locally; 2. Equivalent facilities have been, or are to be, provided elsewhere in the area; or 3. The existing use is not viable in the longer term.

Advertisements

Consent will be granted for the display of appropriate signs and advertisements on shops and other commercial premises, provided that: 1. The character or appearance of the building or the area will not be adversely affected; 2. Public safety will not be compromised; and 3. The amenities of the users or occupiers of nearby land or buildings will not be adversely affected.

Transport depots / Haulage businesses

Planning permission will be granted for the establishment or expansion of a transport depot, haulage business or business that will generate significant amounts of freight movement, provided that: the site is well-related to the strategic road and/or rail network, and avoids routing through congested and residential areas or villages. Potential sites should be selected in accordance with the following search sequence: (a) Existing and allocated employment development sites. (b) Previously-developed sites that are well related to the strategic road and/or rail network. (c) Greenfield sites that are well related to the strategic road and/or rail network.

Accessibility to developments

Planning permission will be granted for developments that will generate or attract significant numbers of journeys, only if: 1. Adequate and effective measures are taken to facilitate access by all modes of transport, with particular emphasis on enabling and promoting safe and convenient access by public transport, walking and cycling; or 2. The site's location and the infrastructure serving it are satisfactory, or can be made satisfactory, as part of the development.

Public Transport Facilities

Planning permission will be granted for developments that will support the provision of public transport services.

Maximizing travel choice

Planning permission will be granted for developments consisting of groups, complexes or estates of buildings sharing common access roads or drives, only if the layout and design of the development incorporates: 1. Safe and convenient links with the surroundings for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles; and 2. Safe and convenient provision within the site for walking and cycling (and for encouraging walking and cycling) and access by public transport, as well as travelling by car, and, generally, the needs of pedestrians and cyclists are given priority over the needs of motor vehicles and their drivers within the development.

Safety

Planning permission will be granted for development proposals that will not adversely affect the safety of people using roads, cycleways, footpaths, bridleways or railways.

Parking provision

Planning permission will be granted for proposals that include provision for the off-street parking of cars, bicycles and motorbikes in accordance with the Council's adopted maximum parking standards, set out in Appendix 4. Provisions which exceed the maximum standards will be permitted only in cases where retail and leisure developments within or on the edge of a town centre will provide parking facilities that will serve the town centre as a whole.

Roadside services

Planning permission will be granted for the development of roadside services, provided that the development proposed: 1. Will be limited primarily to serving the needs for fuel, refreshment or accommodation of people travelling on primary routes across the District; 2. Will not provide facilities that are likely to attract additional journeys; 3. Will not adversely affect the safety or convenience of road users; and 4. Will not adversely affect the character or appearance of its surroundings.

Protection of existing public rights of way

Planning permission will not be granted for proposals that will adversely affect an existing public right of way.

Roadside services

Planning permission will be granted for the development of roadside services, provided that the development proposed: 1. Will be limited primarily to serving the needs for fuel, refreshment or accommodation of people travelling on primary routes across the District; 2. Will not provide facilities that are likely to attract additional journeys; 3. Will not adversely affect the safety or convenience of road users; and 4. Will not adversely affect the character or appearance of its surroundings.

Safeguarding land for transport infrastructure

Planning permission will be granted for developments that would not prevent or hinder the planned provision or improvement of desirable transport infrastructure. In particular, land required in connection with the construction and operation of the proposed Lincoln Eastern By-pass (as shown on the Proposals Map) will be safeguarded from any development that would prejudice the provision of that road.