Planning in Northumberland National Park

Conversion of Buildings

1. Proposals for the conversion of buildings within the settlements identified by Policy ST4 will be permitted. 2. Proposals for conversion of buildings in Open Countryside will be permitted where: a) The building makes a positive contribution to the landscape and special qualities of the National Park; b) The building is structurally sound and capable of conversion without substantial rebuilding, as demonstrated by a suitably qualified structural engineer's report; c) The building is of sufficient size to accommodate the proposed use without the need for significant alterations, extensions or other new buildings; d) The proposal is of high quality design which retains existing features which contribute significantly to the character of the building or its setting; e) The proposed use does not lead to changes in the building's curtilage or the creation of any new vehicular access or parking area that would unacceptably affect the character and appearance of the building or the surrounding landscape; f) The requirements of Policy DM14 are also met. 3. The proposed new use must be compatible in nature, scale and level of activity with the surrounding locality and any neighbouring buildings. Acceptable new uses for rural buildings that may be permitted under this policy are: a) Employment, education or training use; b) Holiday accommodation or tourism facilities c) Principal residence housing, provided that: i. The building is located within an existing group of buildings that have a close physical and visual relationship to each other and also include an existing residential unit within that group; ii. the building is redundant or disused and the conversion would enhance its immediate setting; and iii. it is not in an isolated location. d) Purposes incidental to the residential use of the dwelling, where the building is within the immediate curtilage of an existing dwelling.

General Development Principles

1. To maintain and enhance the distinctive character of the National Park, development will be permitted where: a) The special qualities of the National Park will be conserved or enhanced; b) The proposal is of a high quality design that will make a positive contribution to the National Park's special qualities and the local environment incorporating high quality construction materials and design details that reflect or complement the local vernacular; c) The siting, orientation, layout, scale, height, massing and density of the proposal are compatible with existing buildings and the local built form; d) The proposal is located in an area identified as being at the lowest risk of flooding unless it satisfies relevant sequential and exception tests and it can be demonstrated that the development will remain safe for users without increasing the risk of flooding elsewhere; e) The proposal will not have an unacceptable adverse impact upon the amenities of adjoining occupiers; f) Sustainable design and construction techniques are incorporated in the proposal including design features to ensure that they provide resilience to climate change, measures to minimise waste and energy use and where appropriate use energy from renewable sources; g) Incorporate a good quality landscaping and planting scheme where appropriate, which reinforces local landscape character, increases habitat connectivity and makes use of appropriate native species; h) Opportunities are taken to enhance local wildlife and biodiversity, including providing net gain, that are proportionate to the development proposed. i) Opportunities are taken to incorporate multi-functional green infrastructure as an integral part of the scheme design and commensurate with the scale of the proposal; j) The proposal ensures the proportionate creation of an accessible, safe and secure environment for all potential users with appropriate cycling facilities and car parking provision and without compromising highway safety, the local road network or public rights of way; k) The proposal ensures the provision of appropriate and proportionate services and infrastructure to meet the needs of the development and that these are capable of being provided without compromising the quality of the landscape; l) The proposal will be served by appropriate and adequate storage, waste management and other infrastructure proportionate to the scale of development proposed; and m) The proposal will not give rise to unacceptable risks from contaminated or unstable land. If the proposal is located near to land known or suspected of being contaminated or unstable, an assessment shall accompany an application and shall include suitable remedial measures including timeframes for when such measures will be undertaken.

Rural Economy and Diversification

1. Development that contributes to the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park will be permitted where one or more of the following criteria are met: a) It promotes and protects existing businesses by providing flexibility for established rural businesses to diversify and expand; b) It provides opportunities for the operation of home-based businesses where appropriate; c) It helps maintain or increase job opportunities in the agricultural and forestry sectors; d) It provides for and supports small and micro businesses through the provision of small, flexible, start-up businesses or incubator uses; e) It provides additional facilities, or better use of existing facilities, including those which provide further opportunities to understand and enjoy the special qualities of the National Park. 2. Proposals for new sustainable rural economic development (including the diversification of existing agricultural or forestry businesses) will be permitted where: a) The scheme is well designed and will make use of an existing building and complies with other relevant plan policies. New buildings will only be permitted if the diversified use cannot be suitably accommodated through the conversion or alteration of an existing building in accordance with Policy DM6; b) The proposed use is compatible with and subsidiary to an existing farming or forestry activity in terms of physical scale, activity and function; c) The proposal is of a quality, scale and design that takes into account and reflects the sensitivity of the local landscape; d) Existing access arrangements are appropriate for the proposed use and the site can be safely accessed by the existing road network; e) There are satisfactory arrangements for storage, parking and the manoeuvring of vehicles. 3. Small-scale diversification proposals will be supported where they demonstrate sustainable practices and outcomes sustain the long term operation of the business and secure multiple wider public and environmental benefits. 4. Proposals for tourism and recreational development will be permitted where: a) They conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife, tranquillity and cultural heritage of the National Park; b) They provide and protect opportunities for people to increase their awareness, understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park in a manner that will not undermine the enjoyment of those qualities by other visitors or the quality of life of residents; c) They are of a quality, scale and design that takes into account and reflects the sensitivity of the local landscape; d) They do not lead to unacceptable harm in terms of noise and activity (including traffic). 5. In the case of new buildings for tourism and recreation uses development will be permitted where: a) It is located within one of the settlements listed in Policy ST4; b) It uses existing buildings in open countryside or involves the adaptation or small scale extension of an existing building; c) It is within the open countryside but in accordance with Policy ST4.

Agricultural Development

1. Proposals for new agricultural buildings and structures or extensions to existing buildings will be permitted where: a) The form, height and size of the proposed development is appropriate to its setting and will not have an adverse impact on the landscape and special qualities of the National Park; b) There is a functional need for the building to sustain existing primary agricultural activity and the scale of the development is commensurate with that need; c) The building is designed for the purposes of agriculture and uses appropriate materials with subdued colours and non-reflective surfaces; d) The site is related physically and functionally to existing buildings associated with the business unless there is an exceptional agricultural need for a more isolated location; e) The proposal will not significantly harm local amenity in terms of noise, odours or level of activity either individually or in combination with the existing agricultural activity; f) Where appropriate, a landscaping scheme is provided which complements the character of the locality and retains existing and/or introduces new planting to reduce the visual impact of the proposal on the wider landscape and encourages biodiversity. 2. The Authority may impose a condition on appropriate planning permissions requiring the removal of the building or structure if it is no longer needed for agricultural purposes.

Renewable Energy

1. Development proposals for small-scale schemes for the generation of renewable energy will be permitted where: a) It is of a scale and design appropriate to their locality; b) Renewable and low carbon technologies are incorporated into the design of new development proposals where appropriate (including for example on-site power storage, wind turbines, PICO-hydro or electric-car charging points). c) It respects the existing landscape character type as defined in the Northumberland National Park Landscape Character Assessment; d) It does not result in an unacceptable adverse impact on the special qualities of the National Park, either on its own, or in combination with other schemes; e) It does not unacceptably impact natural resources, including river flow. f) It provides environmental enhancement or community benefits wherever possible; g) It makes provision for the removal of the facilities and reinstatement of the site, should it cease to be operational. h) Any planning impacts identified by the affected local community have been sufficiently addressed. 2. There will be a presumption against proposals for large-scale low carbon and renewable energy development unless it can be clearly demonstrated that they would: a) be compatible with the special qualities of the National Park; b) meet the needs of local communities and businesses; c) be supported by the local community; and d) be in accordance with Policy ST3 (Major Development).

Habitats, Biodiversity and Geodiversity

1. The conservation and enhancement of wildlife, habitats and sites of geological interest within Northumberland National Park will be given great weight. 2. All developments and activities should: a) Maintain and where appropriate enhance features of ecological value and recognised geodiversity assets; b) Maximise opportunities to strengthen the integrity and resilience of habitats and species within the National Park and provide a net gain in biodiversity where possible; including those priority species for which the National Park supports a significant proportion of the regional or national populations and those found at the edge of their range; and c) Maintain and where appropriate enhance existing wildlife connections and landscape features such as water courses, disused railway lines, hedgerows and tree lines for biodiversity. 3. Development proposals that are likely to have a harmful impact on protected or valuable sites or species will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that: a) There are no alternative options that would avoid or reduce the harm to the protected or valuable interest; b) Suitable mitigation measures to avoid or reduce the harm have been incorporated into the proposals and will be maintained in order to retain their biodiversity or geodiversity benefits; c) Any residual harmful impacts have been offset through appropriate habitat enhancement, restoration or creation on site or in another appropriate location within the National Park; d) The wider sustainability benefits of the development outweigh the harm to the protected or valuable interest. 4. Proposals will be considered in accordance with the following hierarchy: International Sites and Protected Species: a) Proposals that have a likely significant effect on European sites (comprising Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas and Ramsar sites) will be subject to an appropriate assessment in accordance with the Habitats Regulations. Where the assessment indicates that it is not possible to ascertain that the proposal, either on its own or in combination with other plans or projects, would have no adverse effect on the integrity of the site, development will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances where there are no alternative solutions, there is an imperative over-riding public interest and compensation measures are secured. This protection will be extended to proposed or potential European sites and significant weight will be given to this policy in areas where the presence of internationally important features is recognised but no formal designation process has begun. Species protected under international legislation will also receive this highest level of protection. National Sites and Protected Species: b) Proposals that would adversely affect the notified special interest features of an existing or proposed Site of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserve or nationally protected species

Landscape, Tranquillity and Dark Skies

1. The natural beauty and heritage of the National Park will be conserved and enhanced whilst being responsive to landscape change. All proposals will be assessed in terms of their impact on landscape character, views and sensitivity as defined in the Landscape Supplementary Planning Document. Development which would adversely affect the quality and character of the landscape will not be permitted. 2. Development proposals which conserve or enhance the tranquillity and pristine dark skies of the National Park will be supported. In order to limit potentially adverse effects on open countryside landscapes and to conserve or enhance tranquillity, development proposals will be required to demonstrate that: a) The level of noise, traffic and light generated as a result of the development during construction and thereafter is minimised and dark night skies maintained; b) Intrusive external features, such as hard surfaces, car parking and urban-style boundary treatments are minimised; c) The sense of openness is not reduced; d) The quiet enjoyment of the landscape is maintained. 3. New, extended or altered moorland tracks and forest roads can have a significant impact upon the appearance of the landscape, archaeology and on the biodiversity of an area. All track development should be well designed, and sensitive to its location. As such all applications for new tracks shall be submitted with details of and nature of the use, frequency of use, construction methodology, materials to be used in any hardsurfacing, water drainage features and an ongoing track maintenance plan. 4. All development proposals should avoid external lighting where possible. Where external lighting is necessary its design should avoid all unacceptable adverse impacts, or as a last resort mitigate them to the greatest possible extent in order to avoid unacceptable adverse impacts on tranquillity, dark skies, biodiversity, visual amenity, landscape character and heritage significance. 5. Development will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that it is compatible with the conservation and enhancement of Northumberland National Park's landscapes by ensuring that: a) the visual impact of the development in its immediate and wider setting is minimised through high quality design that reflects local landscape character with particular regard to scale, siting, materials, and colour; and b) the cumulative and/or sequential landscape and visual effects of development do not detract from the natural beauty of the National Park and the experience of tranquillity. 6. Proposals which are considered to be significant in terms of scale and/or impact should provide a professional landscape appraisal as part of the application submission.

Trees, Woodlands and Forests

1. In order to maximise the social, economic and environmental opportunities that trees, woodlands, and forests present, support will be given to development proposals which are not detrimental to other semi natural habitats and which: a) Protect and enhance the character and nature conservation value of native trees and semi natural ancient woodlands; b) Include native tree planting in appropriate locations where landscaping is required as part of the development; c) Contribute to the target to increase the proportion of native woodland in appropriate areas of the National Park; d) Promote the sustainable recreational, economic and environmental use of woodlands and forests; and e) Support appropriate, sensitively located small-scale forestry-related development. 2. Trees will be considered for protection under a Tree Preservation Order where the tree(s) are considered to bring significant amenity benefit to the local area, including their contribution to the local landscape and biodiversity value. An Order will only be served where it would be expedient and where there is a clear risk to the tree. 3. There will be a presumption in favour of the retention and enhancement of existing trees, woodland, traditional orchards and hedgerows of value on all proposed developments. 4. Where a development would result in the unavoidable loss of an existing tree, orchard or hedgerow but the wider sustainability benefits of the development significantly outweigh the loss, proposals will be expected to minimise harm and provide a net biodiversity and amenity gain, with appropriate replacement of lost trees or hedgerows. 5. Development will not be permitted that would lead to loss of or damage to ancient woodland and aged or veteran trees found outside ancient woodland unless the need for, and benefits of the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss.

Historic Landscape Assets and Built Heritage

1. Development affecting historic landscape assets of the National Park will be required to conserve and enhance landscape quality and character by taking into consideration the elements which contribute to its significance. 2. Where development will impact on features which contribute to the historic landscape the Authority will seek to preserve the features in situ. When in situ preservation is not justified the applicant will be required to make adequate provision for recording in advance of the development, secured through a Written Scheme of Investigation. 3. Development affecting the built heritage of the National Park should reinforce its distinctive historic character by fostering a positive and sympathetic relationship with traditional local architecture, materials and construction. High standards of design will be promoted to conserve and enhance the built heritage, settlement layouts and distinctive historic, cultural and architectural features. Development proposals will be supported where they: a) Conserve, enhance or better reveal elements which contribute to the significance of the heritage asset or its setting including key views, approaches and qualities of the immediate and wider environment that contribute to its value and significance; b) Preserve and enhance the special character and appearance of settlements including buildings, open spaces, trees and other important features that contribute to visual, historical or architectural character; c) Reinforce the distinctive qualities of settlements through the consideration of scale, height, massing, alignment; design detailing, materials and finishes; d) Respect the integrity of the form of historic settlements including boundary and street patterns and spaces between buildings; e) In the case of new uses, ensure the new use represents the optimal viable use of the asset which is compatible with its conservation; f) In the case of adapting assets for climate change mitigation, the proposal is based on a proper understanding of the asset and its material properties and performance. Development should not harm the heritage value of any assets affected. 4. When in situ preservation is not justified or the form and appreciation of a heritage asset is compromised though the proposal, the applicant will be required to undertake an appropriate programme of historic building recording (HBR) and analysis secured through a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI). 5. Development proposals that unacceptably harm the setting of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire: Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site (WHS) will not be permitted. Proposals within the extent of the WHS or its setting should, where possible, seek opportunities to sustain and better reveal the significance of its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) as set out in the adopted Statement of OUV and informed by World Heritage Site Management Plan, including seeking to protect and, where appropriate, enhance: a) Evidence of the scale and complexity of the Wall and its associated frontier features; b) The group value of features, including features beyond the World Heritage Site; c) The setting; and d) Communal values including educational and recreational.

Archaeological Heritage

1. Development that would result in harm to the significance of a Scheduled Monument or other nationally important archaeological site will not be permitted. 2. The preservation of other archaeological sites will be an important consideration having regard to their significance. When development affecting such sites is acceptable in principle, the Authority will seek the preservation of remains in situ, as a preferred solution. When in situ preservation is not justified, the applicant will be required to make adequate provision for excavation and recording in advance of development, secured through a Written Scheme of Archaeological Investigation. 3. The Authority will require applicants to provide sufficient information to allow an informed assessment of the significance of the archaeological heritage asset and its setting, and the impact of the proposed development on that significance.

Householder Development

1. Proposals for development within the domestic curtilage of a dwelling should take full account of the character of the local area and the special qualities of the National Park and will be permitted where: a) The scale, height, form, position and design of the new development do not detract from the character and form of the original dwelling or its setting in the landscape; b) The development does not unacceptably affect the residential amenity of neighbouring occupiers or result in inadequate levels of amenity for the existing dwelling; c) Any extension should be subservient to the main building. 2. An extension to an affordable home that is subject to a local occupancy tie will only be permitted if it would not make the dwelling unaffordable for current or future occupants. 3. In the case of existing outbuildings and the development of new outbuildings, the following criteria must also be met: a) The outbuilding should be required for purposes incidental to the residential use of the main dwelling; b) Any new or extended outbuilding should be proportionate in size; c) New outbuildings should be appropriately sited in relation to the existing built development on site.

Affordable Housing

1. In order to meet specifically identified local affordable housing needs, the development of 100% affordable dwellings will be permitted as, an exception to policy, on appropriate sites adjoining a Named Settlement, provided a Sustainability Appraisal demonstrates that the homes will contribute to the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the settlement where appropriate. 2. Proposals on exceptions sites will only b

Accommodation for Gypsies, Roma, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

1. Proposals for permanent sites within the National Park to meet the identified accommodation needs of Gypsies, Roma, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople will only be permitted if it can be demonstrated that: a) There is a proven permanent need as evidenced by a Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Accommodation Assessment; b) It can be demonstrated that National Park purposes will not be compromised; c) The proposed site is in close proximity to the highway network in a position that is appropriate to the locality with existing screening; d) Essential infrastructure and services can be provided at the site without there being a harmful impact on the surrounding area; e) The site is reasonably accessible to local services, including schools and has sufficient space for vehicle parking and manoeuvring.

Affordable Housing

1. In order to meet specifically identified local affordable housing needs, the development of 100% affordable dwellings will be permitted as, an exception to policy, on appropriate sites adjoining a Named Settlement, provided a Sustainability Appraisal demonstrates that the homes will contribute to the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the settlement where appropriate. 2. Proposals on exceptions sites will only be permitted where: a) The need for the proposed number, type, size and tenure of affordable dwellings is supported by an up-to-date local housing needs assessment and the proposed rent and/or mortgage costs are affordable for local people; b) The number, design, materials and proposed layout of the dwellings are appropriate to the size, form and character of the settlement; c) There is no conflict with the NNP Landscape Character Assessment and the proposal is supported by an up-to-date visual impact assessment; d) Robust arrangements are put in place to ensure that the dwellings remain affordable to the community in perpetuity; e) Effective community engagement has been undertaken. 3. Within a Named Settlement (where the site is capable of accommodating more than five dwellings) 50% of dwellings provided will be affordable. 4. Where a scheme is proposed within a Named Settlement and there are exceptional circumstances which demonstrate that the delivery of the required proportion of affordable housing would not be financially viable, the Authority will consider a larger proportion of principal residence housing as part of a proposal. 5. On sites within a Named Settlement where between 6 and 10 dwellings would be provided, the Authority will accept the payment of a commuted sum in lieu of the on-site delivery of the relevant proportion of affordable housing required provided that it is demonstrated that on-site delivery (including any element of principal residence housing) would not be viable. 6. The occupancy of all affordable dwellings will be restricted to those in need of affordable housing who also have a local connection in accordance with the criteria set out in this Local Plan.

Rural Workers' Housing

1. Proposals for new dwellings for workers engaged in farming, forestry or other essential land management activities will be permitted where the accommodation is essential to support a new or existing enterprise or activity, whether on a newly created or an established unit. In all cases it must be demonstrated that: a) There is a clearly established existing functional need for a specialist full-time worker or one who is primarily employed in agriculture to live on the landholding, and that labour requirement does not relate to part-time employment; b) The agricultural business is financially sound and viable with a clear prospect of remaining so, the activity and landholding units concerned having been established for at least three years and been profitable for at least one of those last three years; c) The functional need could not be fulfilled by any existing dwelling on the landholding unit or any other existing accommodation in the immediate area, which is suitable (including by means of refurbishment or appropriate extension) and potentially available for occupation by the workers concerned; d) The proposed location is well related to existing buildings; and e) The proposal would comply with other relevant local plan policies. 2. Any application to remove an existing agricultural or rural workers' occupancy condition will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that there is no longer a need for the accommodation on the holding or from persons meeting the conditions in the locality. Where this has been successfully demonstrated the condition will be substituted with a condition limiting the dwelling to principal residence housing in accordance with Policy ST5.

Accommodation for Gypsies, Roma, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople

1. Proposals for permanent sites within the National Park to meet the identified accommodation needs of Gypsies, Roma, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople will only be permitted if it can be demonstrated that: a) There is a proven permanent need as evidenced by a Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Accommodation Assessment; b) It can be demonstrated that National Park purposes will not be compromised; c) The proposed site is in close proximity to the highway network in a position that is appropriate to the locality with existing screening; d) Essential infrastructure and services can be provided at the site without there being a harmful impact on the surrounding area; e) The site is reasonably accessible to local services, including schools and has sufficient space for vehicle parking and manoeuvring.

New Housing

1. Having regard to the existing housing stock in the locality, all new residential development (of more than 5 dwellings) will contribute towards the creation of sustainable, balanced and inclusive communities by ensuring a mix of dwellings (in terms of size, type and tenure), that will meet the needs of present and future generations. 2. Development proposals will be assessed according to how well they meet the needs of those living in and seeking to move to Northumberland National Park, as identified in the most recent Strategic Housing Market Assessment and other relevant guidance. 3. New housing will be permitted: a. Within Named Settlements where it comprises conversion of an existing building or a small infill development providing principal residence or affordable housing. b. In Open Countryside, providing Principal Residence occupancy; i. where there is an essential need for a new dwelling to support established farming, forestry or other land management activities; or ii. Where the development would represent the optimal viable use of a heritage asset or would be appropriate enabling development to secure the future of heritage assets; or iii. the development would re-use redundant or disused buildings and enhance its immediate setting; or iv. the development would involve the subdivision of an existing residential dwelling; or v. the design is of exceptional quality; or vi. where an existing dwelling needs to be replaced; or vii. where a building is being converted in accordance with Policy DM6. c. The replacement of an existing dwelling in the open countryside will only be permitted where: i. Residential use has not been abandoned; ii. The dwelling is not of architectural or historic importance; iii. If the replacement dwelling is not in the same position as the existing building, provision shall be made for the removal of the redundant building in a timely manner where it is appropriate to do so. 4. Self-build and custom housebuilding may be approved in accordance with other relevant housing policies, and as either: a) affordable housing; or b) principal residency. 5. Affordable housing will be permitted in accordance with Policy DM3.

Community Facilities and Infrastructure

Community Facilities 1. Proposals that would result in the loss of or an unacceptable adverse impact on a community facility will not be permitted, unless it can be demonstrated that the facility is no longer suitable or viable in that location or that it is no longer needed. 2. Applications for the loss of community facilities must be supported by appropriate and proportionate independent evidence, including appropriate financial, business planning, options appraisals, marketing and community engagement evidence. 3. The provision of new community facilities will be permitted: a) Within one of the Named Settlements; b) In other locations, as an exception to Policy ST4, where it can be clearly demonstrated that there are no suitable sites in a Named Settlement and that this would be in accordance with other relevant local plan policies. 4. Improvements to existing, community facilities, will be supported where it would be in accordance with other relevant local plan policies. Infrastructure 5. Proposals that would result in the loss of infrastructure will not be permitted, unless it can be demonstrated that the infrastructure is no longer suitable or required. 6. Proposals for new, improved or supporting infrastructure will be permitted where: a) They represent the least harmful option reasonably available having regard to any operational requirements and technical limitations that are applicable; b) The design minimises impact on visual amenity, including the character and appearance of the locality and the wider landscape; c) There are no unacceptable adverse impacts on the National Park's special qualities; d) They will not have a harmful impact on the wider environment particularly in relation to flood risk. 7. When no longer required for its approved purpose all infrastructure shall be removed and the site suitably restored to its former condition where it is appropriate to do so.

Minerals Development

1. Proposals for major minerals development will be considered under the terms of Policy ST3. 2. The small scale expansion of existing quarries, or extension of time for minerals operations, will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that the socio-economic benefits of the development outweigh any impact upon the National Park's Special Qualities and where the proposal would accord with other relevant local plan policies. 3. Small scale quarrying of traditional building stone will be permitted where it is demonstrated that there is an identified local need for the stone which will conserve, maintain or enhance the fabric or character of the National Park. 4. In all minerals development applications reasonable mitigation measures must be provided for in the proposal, in order to minimise negative environmental and socioeconomic impacts and ensure the proposed operations do not have unacceptable adverse effects on the natural and historic environment or human health. 5. For all proposals for new or extended mineral operations, planning applications must be supported by: a) evidence of the presence of the mineral; b) Information relating to the need for the mineral, at a local, regional and/or national level; c) Details of the proposed working methods; d) Details of any proposed mitigation measures; and e) An assessment of the effects of the proposal on: i) assets of natural or cultural value; ii) levels of noise, dust and vibration; iii) amenity and a loss of privacy; iv) dark night skies and tranquillity; v) landscape character and visual intrusion; vi) habitats and species and geodiversity; vii) traffic and air quality; viii) water quality, quantity, flood risk and drainage; ix) land resource, including agricultural land, access land and public rights of way; x) soil, contamination and land instability; and xi) the economy. 6. Applications must include a proposed restoration and aftercare strategy which sets out: a) how the proposed after-use responds to the site and its surroundings; b) the removal of plant and other infrastructure, final landform and retained features, reinstatement of soils, and landscaping and planting proposals; c) where applicable, any use of waste or other imported materials for restoration purposes; d) phasing arrangements including avoidance of sterilisation of remaining resources; and e) a programme of aftercare and monitoring of the site for a minimum of five years following completion of restoration.

Minerals Safeguarding Areas

1. Important mineral resources and reserves, as identified on the Policies Map, shall be safeguarded from development which, by virtue of its siting or nature, would prevent or obstruct potential future mineral development or associated operations at that site should a clearly justified need arise to extract them. 2. Planning permission will be granted for non-mineral development within Minerals Safeguarding Areas where: a) the location of the proposal relates to a settlement recognised by Policy ST4; or b) the proposal can demonstrate that it will not affect the overall value of the mineral resource; or c) the mineral can be extracted satisfactorily prior to the development taking place; or d) the development is of a temporary nature, can be completed and the site restored to a condition that does not inhibit extraction within the timescale that the mineral is likely to be needed; or e) there is an overriding need for the development.

Waste Management

1. All new development should seek to prevent waste, and must identify sufficient and convenient space for storage of waste and recycling. 2. Applications for major development must include a waste audit statement demonstrating how the demolition, construction and operational phases of the development will minimise the generation of waste and provide for the management of waste in accordance with the waste hierarchy, including: a) sustainable procurement in construction phase; and b) methods for limiting the generation of waste and maximising recycling in construction phase.

Waste Disposal and Recycling Facilities

1. New waste management facilities or disposal sites will not be permitted unless they can demonstrate significant environmental benefits for Northumberland National Park. 2. Small scale community-based reuse, recycling and composting facilities will be supported where they are located on a site within or adjoining the community they serve, and provide principally for waste arising in that community. Facilities should maximise the opportunity for the use of previously developed land. 3. In all cases development must mitigate against environmental and socioeconomic impacts.

Sustainable Development

1. Northumberland National Park Authority will adopt a presumption in favour of sustainable development. Sustainable development in the Local Plan area is development that either achieves or does not prejudice the achievement of the following: a) makes the National Park a high quality place to live and work – including: improving and supporting the use and retention of existing services, infrastructure and facilities (including the housing stock and workplaces); b) reduces the need to travel and encourages sustainable modes of transport; c) contributes positively to the built environment by having regard to the site context; d) protects or enhances the landscape character of the National Park through use of high quality design, appropriate landscaping, and removal of unsightly development; e) improves biodiversity by protecting existing priority habitats and species or creates new priority habitat; f) conserves the quality and quantity of natural resources, including water, air, soils and geodiversity; g) makes efficient use of land and infrastructure, in particular by prioritising the use of previously developed land and buildings; h) improves public access to, and enjoyment of, the National Park's special qualities; i) reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions through improved energy efficiency and making full use of small-scale renewable energy; j) protects and enhances habitats that provide important carbon sinks, including peat habitats and woodlands; k) development avoids increasing flood risk, and allows for the natural drainage of surface water; l) conserves or enhances the historic environment and helps secure a sustainable future for the assets at risk; and, m) furthers the statutory National Park purposes and duty.

Major Development

1. Proposals for major development will only take place in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated that they are in the public interest. The applicant will be required to demonstrate: a) The need for the development including a national need and the contribution of the development to the national economy; b) The impact of permitting it, or refusing it, upon the local economy; c) Whether, in terms of cost and scope the proposal cannot viably and technically be located elsewhere outside the National Park in a place that would avoid conflict with the National Park's statutory purposes; or that the need for it cannot be met in some other way; d) The extent to which the proposal is designed and sited to respect the character of the landscape; and where appropriate, the settlement in which it lies; and e) Whether all possible measures have been taken to minimise and mitigate any adverse effects on; the special qualities of the National Park, the ability for the public to understand and enjoy the special qualities; the setting of historic assets, natural resources and the transport network. 2. When the activity for which the major development is required ceases the land will be required to be suitably restored or enhanced where it is appropriate to do so.

Spatial Strategy

Named Settlements Alwinton, Charlton, Elsdon, Falstone, Greenhaugh, Harbottle, Holystone, Ingram, Kirknewton, Lanehead, Rochester, Stannersburn and Stonehaugh. 1. Development should support the service function and sustainability of the Named Settlements by providing additional small scale housing (principal residence or affordable) and employment premises, new facilities and services (including tourism and recreation) that would be proportionate to the size of each settlement. Open Countryside (including farmsteads and hamlets) 2. Development will only be permitted in Open Countryside in the following cases: a) Where development reuses a building in a way that supports an economic use or meets the need for principal residence or affordable housing, and is also in accordance with Policy DM6; b) Where there is an essential need for development to meet the needs of farming, forestry, tourism, recreation and other rural enterprise or land management activities; c) Where it is essential to meet social or community needs and it can be demonstrated that there are no other suitable and available locations within the Named Settlements; d) Where the proposal is supported by other relevant Local Plan policies.

Transport and Accessibility

1. In order to maximise accessibility and minimise the environmental and health impacts of traffic when assessing planning applications the National Park Authority will seek to: a) Protect and where appropriate enhance existing networks of Public Rights of Way, National Trails, open access land and other access routes for use by pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians; b) Encourage the creation of new access routes particularly when they create links between existing routes and local services; c) Encourage small scale developments and facilities that contribute to the safe use of the right of way network; d) Minimise the overall need for journeys, whilst seeking to maximise the proportion of journeys made by: public transport, bicycle, and walking; e) Ensure that appropriate transport and accessibility needs are incorporated into new development proposals including the provision of car and cycle parking and supporting infrastructure; f) Promote good design principles in respect of inclusive access; and g) Where appropriate support the delivery of reliable, safe and efficient transport networks, in partnership with other organisations, service providers and developers. 2. New transport or access routes should take account of existing ecological networks and green corridors and where appropriate include measures to facilitate the safe movement of species across open spaces.