Planning in Yorkshire Dales National Park

New or improved community facilities

Development will be permitted for new, or improvements to existing, community facilities, where: a) there is evidence of need for a facility of the scale and type proposed; and, b) they are appropriately located to serve the needs of the community Land is allocated on the policies map for the provision of a community sports and recreation facility in Hawes.

Important open space

Within areas designated on the policies map as important open space, development proposals will only be permitted where they will not result in the loss of, or significantly harm, their qualities or functions. For spaces designated because of their sporting or recreational value, any loss of or significant harm to their qualities and functions will only be permitted if it can be demonstrated that the space is no longer needed, or a suitably located replacement of at least equivalent standard is secured.

Accommodation for the elderly and vulnerable adults

Development proposals to provide residential accommodation for elderly persons and other vulnerable adults will be permitted through any of the following: a) adaptations and extensions to the existing housing stock where they satisfy the requirements of policy SP4 (Development quality); b) development of new appropriately-designed housing, as part of a wider mix of housing, on allocated, windfall or rural exceptions sites, in accordance with policies C1 (Housing in settlements) and C2 (Rural exceptions sites); or, c) provision of dedicated extra or residential care facilities on: i) sites in or on the edge of local service centres; or ii) sites within or on the edge of a service village where they are commensurate to the size, function and capacity of the settlement. Dedicated extra or residential care facilities permitted under criterion c) will be required to: d) meet identified care and support needs, as demonstrated through an up-to-date elderly/vulnerable persons needs assessment and other relevant supporting evidence, and verified by the County Council in their adult social care role; and, e) be occupancy-restricted in accordance with Appendix 5; and, f) be appropriately located and designed in relation to the identified need so that they meet all of the following requirements: i) have suitable pedestrian access to local services and public transport connections; ii) are adequately served by existing, or otherwise provide their own, essential services to meet the needs of residents and aid integration with the wider local community; iii) take account of the access, care and support needs of all users, including those with restricted mobility; iv) make appropriate provision for communal space, both inside and outside.

Existing community facilities

Development that would result in the loss of, or have an unacceptable adverse effect on, an existing community facility will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that: a) the current use is no longer needed or a suitably located replacement facility of at least equivalent standard has been secured; and, b) the land or building could not fulfil, or is not needed for, an alternative community use. Applications must be supported by appropriate and proportionate independent evidence, including appropriate financial, business planning, options appraisals, marketing and community engagement evidence.

Development quality

All development proposals should conform to the following criteria: Design a) the design is informed by, and responds positively to the site, its surrounding context and landscape setting, so that the scale, height, proportions, massing, form, materials and appearance of buildings and structures are sympathetic and complementary; b) it conserves or enhances the archaeological, architectural and historical character and appearance of the site and its setting; c) the design is high quality, has visual interest and reinforces local distinctiveness; d) the design ensures a development that is environmentally sustainable, minimises the consumption of resources, and is long lasting and adaptable; e) it maintains or enhances the ecological, geological and geomorphological value of the site; f) it will be accessible for all users including those with a range of mobility needs; Transport g) it does not prejudice highway safety or cause unacceptable levels of traffic that would harm the environment or capacity of the local road network; h) it contains adequate provisions for connection to public transport; i) where the proposal would generate significant movements of traffic a Transport Statement will be required. For large-scale proposals, a Transport Assessment will be required to indicate methods to manage the scale of movement and avoid congestion; j) it will not obstruct, damage or lead to an unacceptable use of a public right of way unless an agreed alternative route has been provided; k) it will have appropriate access and parking provision; Human safety and amenity l) it 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; m) if located near to land known or suspected of being contaminated or unstable, a full assessment demonstrates that it will not give rise to unacceptable risks to human health or the environment. This may require suitable remedial works to be carried out in advance of development; n) it respects the amenity of neighbours and the adequate level of amenity for its future occupants in relation to nearby uses; o) it will be safe and not vulnerable to crime; p) it will be served by appropriate and adequate storage, waste management and other infrastructure; Environmental safeguarding It will not give rise to unacceptable, adverse impacts in terms of any of the following: q) the quality or quantity or flow of surface or ground water; r) the quality of the air, land or soil; s) the level of noise and dust/particulates, vibration or natural light; t) the darkness of the night sky; and, u) important public views.

Business development sites

Proposals for business development on the sites listed in Table 2 will be permitted in accordance with the list of acceptable uses and development constraints in Appendix 3. Other than where specified in Appendix 3, residential uses will not be permitted. The expansion or redevelopment of existing business uses or the development of unallocated land for new small-scale business or employment uses on sites in or adjacent to the list of settlements in Table 1 will be permitted, subject to satisfying the requirements of Policy SP4 (Development quality).

Rural land-based enterprises

Agricultural, forestry and other rural land-based development will be permitted if it is necessary to serve the needs of the enterprise in that location and the owner has not been instrumental in disposing of a building within the last three years that could otherwise have met the need proposed. Development permitted under the first paragraph of this policy will be required to be dismantled and removed from the site when no longer required for its approved purpose, and the site restored to its former condition, unless permission is given for an alternative use. Diversification of existing land-based enterprises will be permitted if it assists the viability and supports the beneficial aspects of land management and will meet the criteria in policy SP4 (Development quality). New buildings will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that the conversion or re-use of a suitable existing building cannot accommodate the proposed activity.

Re-use of modern buildings

Proposals for the change of use of modern buildings to new business and employment uses will be permitted if all the following criteria are met: a) the building is no longer needed for its current use and will not displace the use elsewhere or conflict with an adjoining use; b) retaining the building will not perpetuate significant visual harm and any modifications to its appearance and curtilage are acceptable in terms of their impact on the surroundings and on residential amenity; c) all manufacturing processes and storage are contained wholly within the building or are otherwise visually contained; d) the proposal should not give rise to demand for the visually intrusive provision, renewal or extension of parking, deliveries, outside storage, external lighting or utility services, or place an unnecessary burden on social, community or emergency services; e) the proposal will accord with policy SP4 (Development quality).

Safeguarding employment uses

Development that would lead to the loss of existing business land or buildings will not be permitted unless: a) the loss would be at a scale that causes no significant harm to community vitality or Local Plan employment objectives; or, b) the continuation of employment use on the site would be environmentally unacceptable, or incapable of being made acceptable; or, c) the business commenced less than three years ago on a site not previously used for employment purposes; or, d) it can be demonstrated that the site is no longer commercially viable for sustaining employment activity at the level of the currently permitted use.

Renewable and low carbon energy

With the exception of development involving wind turbines, proposals for small-scale renewable and low carbon technologies will be permitted where they contribute to meeting the energy needs of communities and businesses in the National Park. Particular encouragement will be given to designing renewable and low carbon technologies into new development. Proposals must comply with Policy SP4 (Development quality) and not adversely affect local communities, businesses or the National Park's special qualities, having regard to impacts in isolation and in combination with other renewable energy schemes. All technologies permitted will be required to be removed, and the site restored to its former condition, should they cease to be operational. There will be a presumption against proposals for large scale low carbon and renewable energy development unless it can be clearly demonstrated that they will be compatible with the special qualities of the National Park, its communities and businesses.

Waste management

Proposals for the disposal of household and other non-inert wastes will not be permitted. Proposals for the disposal of inert waste will only be permitted where: a) the waste is produced within the National Park; b) the waste cannot be re-used or recycled; and, c) the proposals are small in scale. Proposals for the siting of collection facilities for locally-generated, re-usable or recyclable household or commercial waste will be permitted. Proposals for the processing of organic waste will be permitted in accordance with policies BE2 (Rural land-based businesses) and CC1 (Renewable and low carbon energy). All proposals for the collection, processing and disposal of waste under this policy will need to satisfy the requirements of Policy SP4 Development quality.

Flood risk

Avoiding flood risk All developments should be located in areas identified as being at the lowest risk of flooding as identified in Table 8. Where a development is proposed in an area identified as being at risk of flooding, the procedure set out in Table 8 must be followed, demonstrating as appropriate that: a) there are no appropriate alternative sites available with a lower probability of flooding (the sequential test) and/or; b) the flood risks have been assessed and can be managed so that the development remains safe throughout its lifetime and will not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere, taking the vulnerability of its users and climate change into account (evidenced through a site-specific flood risk assessment), and/or; c) the development provides wider sustainability benefits to the community that outweigh flood risk (the exceptions test). In flood zones 3a(i) and 3b, only essential infrastructure or water compatible development may be permitted in accordance with Table 8 and the three policy tests above. Any other forms of development will not be permitted under any circumstances. Where essential infrastructure or water compatible development is proposed in flood zones 3a(i) and 3b, it must be designed and constructed to: a) remain operational and safe for users in times of flood; b) result in no net loss of floodplain storage, including securing compensatory provision where relevant; and, c) avoid impeding water flows in times of flood. Attenuating surface water run-off With the exception of minor developments, all developments will demonstrate that they have incorporated measures to attenuate surface water run-off in accordance with a drainage hierarchy for rainwater so that, in order of priority, they: a) continue natural discharge processes; b) store water for later use; c) adopt infiltration techniques in areas of suitable porosity; d) store water in open water features for gradual release to a watercourse; e) store water in sealed water features for gradual release to a watercourse; f) discharge direct to a watercourse; g) discharge direct to a surface water drain; h) discharge direct to a combined sewer. Using the hierarchy, developments on previously developed land will be expected to incorporate a reduction in surface water run-off rates of at least 30%, while development on greenfield sites will be expected to result in no net increase in surface water run-off rates, unless not technically feasible or viable.

The open upland

In the areas defined as open upland on the policies map, development will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that: a) it will not conflict with W1 (Wildlife sites, species and networks) and it will have a neutral impact on the special qualities of open upland, or is otherwise essential for the management of those qualities; and, b) there is no alternative solution that would lessen the impact and appropriate mitigation measures are taken to reduce harm. Proposals that would improve public access will be regarded more favourably. Where the development is no longer needed for essential management the developer will be required to remove it and restore the site to its former condition.

Crushed rock quarrying

The development of new crushed rock quarries or the extension of existing quarries into areas of undisturbed land will not be permitted other than in the exceptional circumstances set out in Policy SP5. Extensions, in time, extraction area or depth, will only be permitted in disturbed land within the boundary of an existing active quarry; and where all the following criteria are met: a) The environmental and economic benefits of further quarrying will outweigh the individual and cumulative impact on the landscape and the natural and historic environment. Proposals will need to demonstrate how any unavoidable impacts will be mitigated; b) At those sites where a direct rail link exists or is physically capable of construction, proposals will need to include the use of rail haulage and a reduction in road haulage. The reduction in road haulage must be at least 50%, based on limits that were in place in 2011, unless a developer can demonstrate, by sharing their economic assessment with the National Park Authority, that a lower percentage reduction or a phased reduction is necessary to maintain the viability of the site; c) Using currently-permitted operations and already-agreed restoration schemes as a baseline, any proposal must: i) demonstrate local economic benefits through job creation or job safeguarding; ii) reduce visual impacts through landscaping and restoration; iii) offset biodiversity impacts during the life of the quarry and then subsequently after quarrying has ceased through onsite or offsite enhancement in the locality; iv) give up already-permitted reserves where working would result in harmful impacts; v) demonstrate biodiversity and landscape enhancement where nature conservation after use is proposed. Where restoration other than to nature conservation is proposed, this must be supported by an afteruse study that explores options either to deliver National Park purposes or new employment/business/recreational uses that would be compatible with Local Plan policy.

Reworking mineral waste

Proposals for the reworking of mineral waste will not be permitted where: a) the land has been satisfactorily restored; b) the deposit has become assimilated or is characteristic of the local landscape; or, c) the land has archaeological or ecological value in accordance with Policies L1 and W1.

Mineral and railhead safeguarding

Planning permission will not be granted for development that would sterilise a mineral or railhead safeguarding area identified on the policies map, unless there is a need for alternative development that overrides the need to safeguard the mineral or railhead.

Wildlife sites, species and networks

Development proposals that would be likely to result in an adverse effect on: the population of a European protected species; the population of a UK priority species; the integrity of a 'core' habitat area or 'stepping stone' within the ecological networks identified on the policies map; or the integrity of a regionally important geological or geomorphological site will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. For the exceptional circumstances test to be met, applicants must be able to demonstrate that: a) There is no less harmful option available, having regard in order of preference to: i) avoiding adverse impacts altogether; ii) minimising adverse impacts and mitigating the residual impact; iii) implementing compensatory measures where adequate mitigation measures are not possible; AND b) for internationally protected wildlife sites or species, the development must be carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest and compensatory measures must be provided to protect the overall coherence of the international network of sites, or to maintain the population of the species at favourable conservation status in its natural range; OR c) for Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Limestone Pavement Orders, UK priority species or UK priority habitats of functional size, the development will result in benefits that clearly outweigh the impact on features present on the site and the wider national network, or on the local and wider national population of the species; OR d) for UK priority habitats of non-functional size or regionally-important geological or geomorphological sites, the development will not have a significant adverse effect on the integrity of the local network. All development proposals will be required to provide relevant information so that an informed decision can be made. The level of the information required will be proportionate to the hierarchy of sites, habitats and species above, and the scale of the likely adverse impacts. Agreed measures for the mitigation or compensation of adverse effects under this policy will be secured by a planning condition or Section 106 agreement.

Biodiversity enhancement

New development that would have an impact on biodiversity will be required to make a proportionate on-site contribution to wildlife enhancement in accordance with Table 7 and the Yorkshire Dales Design Guide. Large-scale development may be required to fund wildlife enhancement off-site, if it is considered that would make a better contribution to improving biodiversity than wholly on-site provision.

Protecting trees, hedgerows and walls

If the National Park Authority considers that the loss of a tree, hedgerow or drystone wall that is of landscape, nature conservation or historical value is unavoidable, it will require a scheme of replacement or mitigation that will compensate for the loss. Development in close proximity to existing healthy trees will only be permitted if: a) adequate space has been left around the trees to prevent future loss or damage; and, b) the developer has specified how the trees will be protected in the course of development. Where trees are present on a development site, the Authority will require a detailed tree survey to be submitted with a planning application.

Heritage assets

All development proposals that affect a heritage asset will need to be accompanied by a proportionate assessment of the significance of those parts of the asset that would be directly or indirectly affected by the proposal, together with an assessment of the impact of the proposal upon that significance. Designated heritage assets Development proposals affecting a designated heritage asset will be permitted provided they conserve or enhance its significance. Proposals that result in substantial harm to or loss of a scheduled monument, Grade I or II* listed building, or Grade I or II* registered park and garden, will only be permitted in wholly exceptional circumstances. Proposals that result in substantial harm to or loss of a Grade II listed building, Grade II registered park and garden, or a structure that makes a positive contribution to the character and appearance of a conservation area, will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. Where a proposal results in substantial harm to or loss of a designated heritage asset it must be clearly justified, demonstrating that: a) there is no less harmful, viable option, and; b) the amount of harm has been reduced to the minimum possible, and; c) there are other significant public benefits that outweigh any harm caused. Provision must be made for full recording in advance of any substantial harm or loss. Proposals that result in less than substantial harm to a designated heritage asset will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that the public benefits of the proposal clearly outweigh the loss of significance. Undesignated heritage assets Development proposals affecting undesignated heritage assets that are demonstrably of equivalent significance to designated heritage assets will be determined in accordance with the policy for designated assets. Development proposals affecting other undesignated heritage assets will be permitted where their significance will be conserved. Where harm or loss would result from a development proposal, applicants should demonstrate that reasonable efforts have been made to minimise harm and make provision for suitable recording prior to the development taking place.

Conversion of traditional buildings – acceptable uses

With the exception of former dwellings, proposals for the change of use of traditional buildings to high intensity residential, visitor accommodation and employment uses will only be permitted within existing settlements and building groups, or other suitable roadside locations. Proposals for the change of use of isolated traditional buildings to low-intensity uses will be permitted provided they do not result in material alteration to the exterior of the building or its surrounds. Proposals for change of use to a dwellinghouse for continuous occupation will be subject to a local occupancy restriction (Appendix 5). All proposals for the conversion of traditional buildings to group visitor accommodation will be required to be capable of effective supervision and management. All proposals for the conversion of traditional buildings to a dwellinghouse for holiday occupation will be restricted to short stay letting only. All proposals for the conversion of traditional buildings to live/work units will be required to meet criteria (a) & (b) of Policy BE4 (New build live/work units).

Conversion of traditional buildings – building treatment

Proposals for the conversion of traditional buildings to new uses will be permitted where they conform to the guidance set out in the Design Guide and it can be demonstrated that: a) the building has the physical capacity to accommodate the new use without significant extension or alteration, and all ancillary storage and services are accommodated in existing buildings rather than through the provision of new ancillary buildings; b) alterations to the building, and the creation of any new curtilage, highway access, access roads and other associated storage and infrastructure, are the minimum necessary and are sensitive to the traditional character and appearance of buildings and do not adversely affect the immediate or wider landscape setting of the building, or any parts of the building with recognised significance; c) the new use does not displace an existing one so that it gives rise to the need to provide new compensatory buildings; d) materials used are consistent with, or complementary to, local building traditions and any historically or architecturally important features are retained in the conversion, and the building subjected to recording prior to conversion; e) the building is capable of conversion requiring no more than minor structural work, the extent of which would not compromise the historic interest and character of the building; f) they satisfy the requirements of Policy W1 (Wildlife sites, species and networks)

Demolition and alteration of traditional farm buildings

Proposals to alter or extend traditional farm buildings that have an existing agricultural use will be permitted provided they: a) are justified for the purposes of agriculture; b) will prolong the viable use of the building for agricultural purposes; and, c) retain the architectural, historical and archaeological significance of the building and involve the minimum amount of alteration necessary. Proposals to totally or substantially demolish a traditional farm building will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that: a) the building is structurally unsound and beyond repair, and its condition is not the result of deliberate neglect or damage; b) the building has no particular significance in architectural, historic or landscape terms; and, c) appropriate recording takes place in advance of demolition and the site is restored in a suitable manner, including the retention of some physical evidence where appropriate.

Heritage assets - enabling development

Proposals for enabling development will only be permitted where: a) the enabling development will secure the long term conservation of a heritage asset that is: i) designated or demonstrably of equivalent significance to a designated asset; and ii) considered to be at risk, and that risk has not come about as a result of deliberate neglect or damage; b) the proposal complies with Historic England's enabling development policy c) the long term conservation of the heritage asset can only be secured by enabling development. Applications for enabling development on estates with multiple heritage assets within the National Park will only be permitted where they form part of, and are justified by, an overarching and up to date conservation management plan that is linked to an up to date business plan.

National Park purposes

Development will be permitted that furthers the statutory National Park purposes of: a) conserving and enhancing natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage; b) promoting opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park by the public. Development that prejudices these purposes will not be permitted, although an exception may be made where development can demonstrate an overriding need and the harm can be mitigated or, as a last resort, compensatory measures can be agreed.

New build live/work units

New build live/work units will be permitted inside the housing development boundaries of the local service centres and service villages in Table 1 and within some of the allocated business sites in accordance with Appendix 3. New build live/work units will also be permitted on the site of a former industrial use, if continued employment use is no longer suitable or the site has been vacant for three years, and the site is otherwise capable of supporting a residential use. Proposals outside housing development boundaries will need to be supported by evidence of need for a business unit with ancillary living accommodation and evidence that such a unit would be viable. In the case of a proposed new business, this evidence should include a business plan. Proposals for live/work development will also need to meet the following criteria: a) the residential use will be ancillary to the business use; b) the occupancy of the living area will be restricted to a person working full-time in the business. If located within an area of housing, only uses compatible with residential amenity will be permitted.

Housing in settlements

The sites listed in Appendix 4 are allocated for new housing development and are shown on the policies map. Elsewhere, housing development will be permitted on acceptable sites within the housing development boundaries of local service centres and service villages, identified on the policies map. On sites of 11 or more dwellings, 50% must be affordable housing or alternatively 33% affordable housing and 33% local occupancy restricted housing (as defined in Appendix 5). On sites of between six and 10 dwellings, the National Park Authority will require the payment of a commuted sum in lieu of the delivery of the relevant proportion of affordable housing above. On sites of up to five dwellings, new housing will be restricted to local occupancy (Appendix 5). If it is demonstrated that the site cannot deliver the mix of housing required, then the Authority will consider an alternative mix of housing on the basis of an independent site viability study. The size, type and tenure of affordable housing required by this policy will be informed by the latest Strategic Housing Market Assessment and any other evidence of need in the locality. Housing sites will be required to meet a minimum density of 35 dwellings per hectare. A lower density will be permitted, however, where this is necessary to: provide a safe access; conform to highway capacity; fit into the landscape; conserve the character of the settlement; or is required by the physical characteristics of the site.

Rural exceptions sites

As an exception to other policies, small-scale affordable housing will be permitted on land or through the conversion of buildings, adjacent to the development boundaries of local service centres, service villages and small settlements identified on the policies map, provided all the following criteria are met: a) it is demonstrated that there is a proven local need for affordable housing and an alternative site is not available inside the housing development boundary; b) all dwellings will be, and will remain, available for people with a local connection, at an affordable cost (Appendix 6). A Section 106 legal agreement will be required to ensure the restriction of the occupancy in perpetuity; c) all proposals satisfy the requirements of Policy SP4 (Development quality); d) in the case of a conversion, the proposal accords with Policies L2 and L3 (Conversion of traditional buildings).

Rural workers' housing

Outside the housing development boundaries of local service centres and service villages in Table 1, new residential accommodation for rural workers will only be permitted where all the following are met: a) it can be demonstrated that the functional needs of agriculture, or some other essential rural-based enterprise, requires that a full time worker must live at the location proposed; b) it can be demonstrated that there are no opportunities for providing the accommodation by using other dwellings within the control of the applicants, or by the conversion of an existing suitable building, or by the acceptable sub-division or extension of an existing dwelling; c) the enterprise that the dwelling will serve must not have been instrumental in disposing of any residential property in the preceding three years that would have satisfied the need now identified, d) the dwelling will be located within or adjoining an existing group of buildings; and, e) in the case of a new permanent dwelling, its size should be commensurate to the needs of the new rural enterprise or associated agricultural unit. This should be justified by evidence supporting the planning application. If the proposal is for a new rural enterprise or if the long term financial viability of the enterprise cannot be demonstrated, the need must be met by a temporary solution, such as the siting of a residential caravan in a suitable location, for a three year period. If a dwelling permitted under this policy becomes unoccupied and no suitable occupant is forthcoming after the property has been advertised in accordance with the National Park Authority's advertising procedure (paragraph 3.53), the Authority will consider varying the restriction to that of local occupancy as described in Appendix 5.

Sub-division

The sub-division of an existing dwelling to form two or more dwellings will be permitted provided all the following criteria are met: a) the dwelling has capacity for subdivision having regard to the requirements of Policy SP4 (Development quality); b) net additional dwellings created are subject to local occupancy or affordability requirements in accordance with Policy C1 (Housing in settlements).

Replacement dwellings

The construction of a replacement dwelling will only be permitted provided all the following criteria are met: a) residential use of the dwelling has not been abandoned; b) it is demonstrated that the repair of the existing building is not economically feasible and that the replacement building would bring about a significant enhancement in terms of its landscape impact; c) replacement would not lead to the avoidable loss of a building that already contributes to architectural or historic interest or makes a useful contribution to local housing needs; d) the replacement dwelling is located on the same site as the original; e) the replacement dwelling will not be substantially larger than the dwelling to be replaced and will not have a residential curtilage that is harmful to its setting; f) the proposal satisfies the requirements of Policy SP4 (Development quality) in all other respects. Permitted development rights will be removed by planning condition. Further extensions that would increase the size of the replacement dwelling will not be permitted.

Residential caravans and mobile homes

The siting of caravans, mobile homes or other forms of non-permanent accommodation in the National Park will not be permitted for the purpose of permanent residential use. Temporary permission may be given during construction works or in the case of a new rural-based enterprise in accordance with Policy C3 (Rural workers' housing).

Gypsies and Travellers caravan sites

As an exception to Policy C3 (Rural workers' housing), C2 (Rural exceptions sites) and C6 (Residential caravans and mobile homes) the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority will permit the siting of residential caravans for Gypsies and Travellers, provided all the following criteria are met: a) there is evidence of a permanent need for a type and scale of Gypsy or Traveller pitch within the relevant part of the National Park, as advised by the local housing authority; b) the site is located within one and a half miles of a local service centre or service village and is capable of adequate provision of essential infrastructure and services without significant harm to the landscape; c) the site should respect the scale of, and not dominate the nearest settled community, and should also avoid placing an undue pressure on the local infrastructure; d) the proposal satisfies the requirements of Policy SP4 (Development quality) in all other respects.

New and improved infrastructure

Proposals for new or improved infrastructure providing essential services and facilities will be permitted where their siting and appearance: a) minimises the impact on visual amenity, including the character and appearance of the locality and wider landscape character; b) will not result in unacceptable impacts upon features of ecological, archaeological, architectural or historic interest. Applicants should demonstrate that the proposal represents the least environmentally harmful deployment option available, having regard to the operational requirements and technical limitations that are applicable. All infrastructure shall be removed and the site restored to its former condition when no longer required for its approved purpose.

Infrastructure needed to support development

Development will only be permitted where adequate infrastructure exists or will be provided to serve the proposal. Where existing infrastructure is to be used or extended to serve a development, adequate capacity must exist without prejudicing existing users. Where additional or enhanced infrastructure is necessary to support new development, this must be provided as part of the development, or through a financial contribution equivalent to the cost of remedying the infrastructure shortfall. Where an infrastructure requirement is deemed to threaten the ability of a site to be developed viably, applicants will be required to provide evidence to demonstrate this, and should seek to identify alternative forms of mitigation. Where there is a failure to make provision for infrastructure requirements, planning permission will only be permitted where the benefits of delivering the development clearly outweigh the harm caused. Planning obligations will be used to secure infrastructure provision through a legal agreement under Section 106 of the 1990 Town & Country Planning Act or Section 278 of the 1980 Highways Act. All such agreements shall be necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms, directly related to the development and fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind. Charges shall be formulated in accordance with the policies and advice of infrastructure providers.

Building stone

Proposals for the quarrying of building stone or roofing slate will be permitted where they satisfy the requirements of Policy SP4 Development quality.

Sustainable development

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority will presume in favour of development that is sustainable. 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) encourages mixed uses, reducing the need to travel; c) contributes positively to the built environment by having regard to the site context, and conforms to the National Park Design Guide; d) conserves 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 enhancing existing priority habitats and species or creates new priority habitat; f) improves public access to, and enjoyment of, the National Park's special qualities; g) reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions through compliance with the spatial strategy, improved energy efficiency and making full use of small-scale renewable energy; h) avoids areas at risk of flooding and is resilient and responsive to the impacts of climate change; i) conserves or enhances the historic environment and helps secure a sustainable future for the assets at risk. Development will be deemed to be unsustainable if it would reduce: j) the health and well-being of local communities; k) the diversity, quality and local distinctiveness of the natural and cultural landscape, wildlife, historic environment or other special qualities of the National Park; l) the strength, diversity or vitality of the local economy; m) the supply of housing to meet local needs; n) access to local services and community facilities.

Spatial strategy

New development will be located within or adjacent to the settlements listed in Table 1, unless there are justifiable reasons why another location is more sustainable. Proposals for development that are not located within or adjacent to a settlement in Table 1 will need to demonstrate that: a) the location is necessary for a land based function, or; b) the location is necessary for the provision of public utilities or infrastructure, or; c) the development is ancillary to an existing use at the site, or; d) the location is appropriate in relation to other local plan policies. Proposals for development within or on the edge of settlements listed in Table 1 should be at a scale that is appropriate to the character and function of the settlement. To expand the supply of housing to meet a target of 55 new dwellings per year, new build housing will be permitted on allocated sites and inside the housing development boundaries of local service centres and service villages in Table 1. New build housing will only be permitted elsewhere in accordance with an exceptional need for affordable housing or the needs of a rural based enterprise (Policies C2 and C3). To help grow the local economy, new business development will be allowed on strategic sites identified on the policies map, subject to the requirements of Policy BE1. To maintain footfall and viability, retail and commercial development will be allowed in four primary retail high streets identified on the policies map in Hawes, Grassington, Reeth and Sedbergh, subject to the requirements of Policy BE5. To help conserve the historical landscape, promote growth in the local economy and increase the supply of housing, the re-use of suitable traditional buildings will be permitted in accordance with Policies L2 and L3. To conserve the qualities of tranquility and wildness, and their habitat diversity, areas of extensive open upland and protected wildlife areas are identified on the policies map. These will continue to be protected from development that would be harmful to their qualities (Policies L10 and W1). Areas of important open space in or near towns and villages are identified on the policies map. They will be protected from development that would erode the contribution they make to community recreation, settlement character or the historic environment (Policy C6).

Major development

Planning permission will only be granted for major development in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated to be in the public interest. Consideration of such applications should include an assessment of all of the following: a) the need for the development, including in terms of any national considerations; b) the impact on the local economy of permitting or refusing it; c) the cost of, and scope for, developing it outside the National Park, or meeting the need for it in some other way; and, d) any detrimental effect on the environment, the landscape character, recreational opportunities and the extent to which that could be moderated.

Camping

The use of land as a new or extended camp site for tents, and the development of associated buildings or facilities, will be permitted provided that: a) the site is not isolated in the landscape; and, b) the development and use of the site, including the provision of site services, external lighting and access provisions, do not harm the landscape character of the National Park or are capable of integration by an approved planting scheme within five years of commencement; and, c) the site is capable of effective management without the construction of a new dwelling.

Touring caravan sites

The use of land for touring caravans will be permitted provided that all the following are met: a) the pitches, site services, external lighting and access provisions are well screened at the time of application, and subsequently, to the extent that development will not cause adverse impact to landscape character; b) a wholly new site, or an addition to an existing site, does not exceed 30 pitches, unless it can be demonstrated that the landscape has adequate capacity to absorb this scale of development and that the highway can accommodate the additional traffic; c) pitches are restricted to short stay holiday occupancy only; and, d) on-site facilities would not harm the economic vitality or viability of nearby settlements.

Sustainable self-catering visitor accommodation

The development of new sustainable self-catering visitor accommodation will be permitted provided that all the following criteria are met: a) sites are well screened at the time of application, and subsequently, to the extent that development will not cause adverse impact to landscape character; and, b) the units will be restricted to holiday use and short term letting only; and, c) on-site facilities would not harm the economic vitality or viability of nearby settlements. Proposals will need to demonstrate that they have incorporated designs, layouts and technologies that will deliver environmental benefits, such as energy saving measures, the use of renewable energy, the provision of recycling facilities and improved biodiversity. The replacement of static caravans with sustainable self-catering visitor accommodation of a more appropriate design that fits less intrusively into the landscape will be permitted. New sites for static caravans will not be permitted. Small extensions or increases in the number of static caravan pitches on existing sites will only be permitted where they would be well screened or would improve the visual impact of the site within the surrounding landscape. Additional units will be restricted to holiday use and short term letting or will be required to be removed from site between 1 November and 1 March. The replacement of tent or touring caravan pitches with more permanent types of accommodation will only be permitted where this would not significantly reduce the supply of tent and touring pitches available locally and the site is capable of such a change without a harmful impact on the special qualities of the National Park.

Visitor facilities

Development that provides facilities or services that directly help visitors to enjoy the special qualities of the National Park will be permitted subject to conformity with other Local Plan policies. Development of facilities or services that utilise the area's natural resources in a sustainable way and which will offer visitors wider enjoyment of the National Park without any harm to its special qualities, will also be permitted subject to conformity with other policies in the Local Plan.

Indoor visitor facilities

Development of indoor facilities aimed at visitors but not reliant on the special qualities of the National Park, will only be supported where it is located within existing settlements, or close to existing visitor facilities, or forms part of a farm or rural estate diversification scheme or is allocated in Policy BE1 for a related use. Visitor facilities that would also provide overall benefits to local communities will be considered favourably, subject to the above.

High street service frontages

High street service frontages are identified on the policies map for Sedbergh, Grassington, Hawes and Reeth. New or expanded retail (A1) uses will be permitted in these areas. A2, A3, A4, A5, C1, D1 and D2 uses (Appendix 3) will also be permitted in high street frontages except where they would displace an A1 use that would undermine the retail service role to the detriment of the local community. The National Park Authority will require proposals for the loss of a retail use to be tested against Policy BE7 (Safeguarding employment uses), unless it is considered that the loss of the use would not have a significant individual or cumulative effect on the retail function of the high street. Outside the high street a sequential test will apply to the development of new A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5 uses. The order of preference will be: a) sites within high street service frontages; then, b) sites adjacent to high street service frontages (within 100m); and then, c) only if suitable sites are not available in a) or b) above will sites further away from the high street service frontages be considered. Only sites that are easily accessible on foot to the high street will be permitted for new A1, A2, A3, A4 and A5 uses. The sequential test will not, however, apply to small-scale farm diversification or community retail and hospitality proposals that would not otherwise impact on the retail function of the high streets. Applications for A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 and D2 uses larger than 250m2 (gross internal area) outside of the high street service frontage or adjacent to it will require assessment of the impact of the proposal on: a) existing, committed and planned public and private investment in a centre or centres in the catchment area of the proposal; and b) town centre vitality and viability, including local consumer choice and trade in the town centre and wider area, up to five years from the time the application is made. Where an application fails to satisfy the sequential test or is likely to have significant adverse impact on the town centre it will be refused.

Railway-related development

Development that would prejudice the reinstatement of the Wensleydale Railway, including operational land and station facilities, will not be permitted. Development that would prejudice the future use of the Swinden Quarry-Threshfield and Clapham-Lowgill track beds as recreational routes will not be permitted. Along the route of the Settle-Carlisle Railway, Swinden Quarry link and the former Wensleydale Railway line (Garsdale to Redmire), development will be permitted for railway infrastructure and railway-related economic development, or where it would provide an employment or commercial use of the site, or would benefit understanding and enjoyment of the National Park, subject to Policy W1 (Wildlife sites, species and networks), Policy L1 (Heritage assets) and SP4 (Development quality). Development leading to the loss of facilities for rail users will not be permitted.