ENV16

Policy 16: The use of existing rural buildings for new purposes

The use of existing rural buildings for new purposes such as tourist, or small-scale industrial/commercial use may be permitted where:

1. it is demonstrated that the building is no longer required for its original purpose and where the building is substantially intact and structurally capable of renovation;
2. the reuse of the building will result in the preservation of fabric which is of historic, architectural, or social interest or is otherwise of visual attraction;
3. it is demonstrated that the building could accommodate the new use without requiring extension or adverse change to appearance or character;
4. there would not be unacceptable implications in terms of traffic generation;
5. conversion does not lead to dispersal of activity on such a scale as to prejudice the vitality and viability of existing town and village services; and
6. the use of existing buildings involves significant levels of redevelopment to accommodate the new use, the benefits secured by the proposal in terms of impact on the environment and the rural economy shall outweigh the continued impact of retaining the existing buildings on site.

Proposals to convert rural buildings to residential accommodation will be considered along with the advice given at Section 8.10 of this document.

7.14 Horticulture

7.14.1 The use of land for horticulture, market gardens or nursery grounds is common on the Island and often found on sites in the urban fringe or free-standing in the countryside. Such uses can contribute to the economic activity of rural areas, but the requirement for buildings and adequate access and parking spaces means that such developments can be intrusive in the countryside. The development and expansion of such sites needs to be carefully managed particularly where there are traffic implications and in order to prevent the proliferation of buildings, which may include growing tunnels and external displays and greenhouses, leading to an adverse impact on the character of such areas.

7.14.2 Selling the produce grown in a market garden or a nursery from the site may not constitute development, but retailing other products does, and will be subject to the Department's general retail policies.