H12

Housing Policy 12

Policy 12: The replacement of an existing dwelling in the countryside will generally be permitted unless:

1. the existing building has lost its residential use by abandonment; or
2. the existing dwelling is of architectural or historic interest and is capable of renovation.

In assessing whether a property has lost its habitable status (1) by abandonment, regard will be had to the following criteria:

1. the structural condition of the building;
2. the period of non-residential use(2) or non-use in excess of ten years;
3. evidence of intervening use; and
4. evidence of intention, or otherwise, to abandon.