Change of use to office and vehicle compound for storage and distribution (retrospective)

Environment Policy 16

Permits reuse of existing rural buildings for small-scale industrial/commercial uses if no longer required for original purpose, preserves fabric of interest, accommodates use without extension/adverse change, no unacceptable traffic, no dispersal prejudicing settlements, and benefits outweigh retaining existing buildings. Officer tested all six criteria explicitly, finding full compliance due to pre-existing farm building in industrial area, no expansion, highway acceptance, and employment benefits.

Environment Policy 4

Protects acknowledged sites of ecological importance. Site in Wildlife Site/ASSI/bird sanctuary, but no significant ecological impacts from existing use assessed.

Environment Policy 5

Allows development affecting ecological sites if minimising disturbance and mitigating losses. No adverse effects or need for mitigation identified for existing use.

Environment Policy 11

Restricts coastal development increasing flood/erosion risk or needing protection works. Site on coastal road, but no such impacts from proposal.

Environment Policy 1

Protects countryside character and landscape quality. Existing building in developed area assessed as not harmful.

Environment Policy 2

Places importance on development impact on landscape character. No significant landscape impact from reusing existing structure.