NPPF GB7: Development which is not inappropriate in the Green Belt

GB7: Development which is not inappropriate in the Green Belt 1. The following categories of development are not inappropriate in the Green Belt, and therefore should not be regarded as harmful to the Green Belt or be required to demonstrate very special circumstances: a. Development which is for agriculture, horticulture and forestry, or which is solely for nature conservation, restoration and/or enhancement; b. The reuse, extension, alteration or replacement of an existing building, provided that the existing building is of permanent and substantial construction, is lawful in planning terms, and any extension or alteration will not result in a disproportionate increase in size compared to the original building40. In the case of proposals for a replacement building, it should be for the same use and not materially larger than the one it replaces; c. Limited infilling in villages lying within the Green Belt; d. Limited affordable housing for local community needs under policies set out in this Framework or the development plan (for instance, on a rural exception site); e. The redevelopment of previously developed land (including a material change of use to residential or mixed-use including residential), which would not cause substantial harm to the openness of the Green Belt; f. Certain other forms of development, provided the impact on the openness of the Green Belt is minimised, and there would not be a significant conflict with the Green Belt purposes. These are: i. Mineral extraction and processing, engineering operations, and transport, electricity network, water and telecommunications infrastructure required in a Green Belt location); ii. Development brought forward under a Community Right to Build Order or Neighbourhood Development Order; iii. Material changes in the use of land (such as changes of use for outdoor sport or recreation, or for cemeteries and burial grounds); and iv. The provision of appropriate facilities (in connection with the existing use of land or a change of use), including buildings, for outdoor sport, outdoor recreation, cemeteries and burial grounds and allotments. g. Development where all of the following apply: The original building for this purpose is the building that existed on July 1948 or, if constructed after July 1948, as it was built originally. 63 i. The development would utilise grey belt land and would not fundamentally undermine the purposes (taken together) of the remaining Green Belt across the area of the plan; ii. There is an evidenced unmet need for the type of development proposed41; iii. The development would be in a sustainable location, with particular reference to policy TR3 of this Framework42; and iv. In the case of major development involving the provision of housing, the development proposed complies with policy GB8. h. Residential or mixed-use development which would: i. Be within reasonable walking distance of a well-connected station (applying the definitions in the glossary at Annex B); ii. Be physically well-related to the station or the settlement within which the station is located; iii. Be of a scale which can be accommodated taking into account the existing or proposed availability of infrastructure; iv. Not prejudice any proposals for long-term comprehensive development in the same location; and v. In the case of proposals for major development, comply with policy GB8.