Proposals involving more than 20 ha of land not allocated for development (or smaller parcels which cumulatively could lead to the loss of 20ha or more) for non-agricultural use on current or land last used for agricultural will be required to demonstrate that the land is not within Grade 1, Grade 2 and sub-Grade 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification. Permission would only be granted on land within these higher grades if:

• It can be demonstrated that it would be practicable to return the land to its former quality if the development took place; or
• No other land of a lower quality is available and the sustainability benefits of the proposal clearly outweigh the loss of the agricultural land.

Justification

The NPPF states that planning policies should 'recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside and the wider benefits from natural capital and ecosystem services - including the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile land (paragraph 174).

Maps available on the Natural England website detail areas likely to contain land in of the higher quality values (Grades 1,2 and 3a). Full survey work is not uniformly available therefore where proposals fall within these areas applicants will need to demonstrate that a full survey has taken place and the proposed site is not within grades 1, 2 or 3a.

Schedule 4(y) of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure (England) Order) (DMPO) 2015 requires that planning authorities must consult Natural England on proposal over 20 ha if these are not part of the development plan or on sites of less that 20ha in circumstances in which the development is likely to lead to a further loss of agriculture land amounting cumulatively to 20ha or more.

For some uses it may be possible to return the land to productive agricultural use without any loss of quality, should the proposed use no longer be required. For example, solar farms or similar. Suitable measures will be put in place to ensure this could be achieved.

Only where it can be demonstrated that no land of a lower quality is available, and the sustainability benefits of the proposal outweigh the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land will permission be granted.

The erection of dwellings in the countryside for full time workers in agriculture, forestry, or other land-based rural businesses will be permitted provided that the applicant provides an appraisal that demonstrates that:

• The dwelling is required to satisfy a clearly established existing and long term functional need to live permanently at or within the immediate area of their work;

• The agricultural, forestry or land based use (excluding other elements) has been established for at least three years, has been profitable for at least one of them, is currently financially sound, and has a clear prospect of remaining so;

• The need could not be fulfilled by another existing or recently disposed dwelling on the unit or any other accommodation or building capable of conversion in the area which is suitable and available for occupation by the worker concerned;
• The proposal is satisfactorily sited in relation to the agricultural or forestry unit and, wherever possible, is sited within a hamlet or existing group of buildings (in particular, that the need for a new vehicular access is where practical avoided); and
• The proposed external area of the dwelling does not exceed 150 square metres.

Where the need and location for a rural workers' dwelling has been accepted under the above criteria except for the economic viability of the unit, the Council may permit temporary accommodation for up to three years in a caravan or mobile home, provided that there is clear evidence that the enterprise has been planned on a sound financial basis with a firm intention and ability to develop it.

Planning permission will be granted only subject to a condition limiting occupation to the rural workers and their dependents. Where a second or further dwelling is permitted on a holding, a condition will be imposed on any unrestricted existing dwellings to similarly limit their occupation.

The removal of an occupancy condition will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that there is no need for the dwelling on the unit or in the locality, nor is a need likely to arise in the foreseeable future, and that there has been a genuine and unsuccessful attempt to market the property for at least 6 months at a realistic price that reflects the agricultural tie.

Justification

Farmers are encouraged to diversify their activities and supplement their income from enterprises other than normal food production. In some cases, this may lead to demand for on-site residential accommodation for non-agricultural enterprises (for example, where livestock are kept as part of a leisure or tourism-based enterprise). As with proposals for farm dwellings, both the need for such dwellings and the viability of the enterprise must be adequately demonstrated.

Within the Green Belt, new dwellings (other than replacement dwellings) outside settlement boundaries will not normally be permitted except for the purposes of agriculture or forestry and it would be inappropriate to make a further exception for other rural uses.

Establishing need

Applicants will be required to submit an appraisal justifying an exception to the general policy of restraint. To ensure a high quality and impartial assessment, appraisals are best prepared by a member of the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants or other consultants demonstrating qualifications and experience in the subject area.

The appraisal should provide the following information:

• Existing accommodation on the unit and how it is occupied, the purpose of the new dwelling and how important it is for the operation of the unit;
• Whether the new building is necessary rather than convenient, such as must it be on site rather than in a nearby village;
• The justification for a particular site, when there may be other more appropriate sites in planning terms;
• The recent history of the unit, including recent severance and details of any dwellings on the unit that have been sold or converted for non-agricultural occupation;
• Where a new unit is to be formed, proof that the enterprise will be permanent and economically viable.

Applications are often received for dwellings associated with new enterprises. In certain instances, a financial test will be applied in order that further evidence of the genuineness of stated intentions can be provided. In such circumstances, where need is established temporary planning permission will normally be granted for a residential mobile home. Such temporary planning permissions will extend to two or three years depending on the circumstances of the enterprise. In order to receive consent for a permanent dwelling then the enterprise would have to be proven viable and assessed against the rural workers dwellings policy. In appropriate circumstances, a condition may be attached restricting the occupation of a dwelling until works necessary for the establishment of the enterprise have been completed.

Design considerations

If the need for a dwelling is established, then it is important to ensure that any adverse effects relating its scale, design, size are addressed. Dwellings should therefore be well-related to existing buildings and where possible share an existing vehicular access. They should not exceed a size necessary to meet normal family requirements and accommodate minor ancillary office facilities.

Any proposals above 150 square metres gross external floor space would not normally be acceptable and would need to be fully justified. Proposals for the size, siting and landscaping of the curtilage should also ensure that the impact on the landscape is acceptable.

Occupancy conditions

When granting permission under this policy, where appropriate, an occupancy condition will be imposed not only on the dwelling itself, but also on any existing dwellings on the unit which are under control of the applicant and do not have occupancy conditions. This will help to protect rural areas from inappropriate residential development pressures.

In recent years there has been a steady number of applications to remove occupancy conditions, while at the same time applications for new agricultural dwellings are still being received. The Council requires that before an application for removal of an occupancy condition is approved it must be demonstrated that there is now no need for the dwelling on the unit, or in the locality, and that a genuine and unsuccessful attempt has been made to sell the dwelling with the condition attached.

In determining such applications regard will be had to:

• Evidence of existing demand or lack of demand for agricultural workers within a radius of at least five miles from the property;
• Whether there are any vacant agricultural dwellings within this area and the

number of recent applications in the locality for agricultural dwellings;

• Evidence of efforts to dispose of the dwelling, whether it has been advertised, how frequently, for how long and whether the asking price reflected the occupancy condition.

Planning permission will be granted for agricultural or forestry development on existing and new holdings, or development for the purposes of farm based and other land-based rural businesses or diversification provided that:

• The proposals are necessary for and ancillary to the use of land for viable agricultural or land-based rural businesses purposes;
• The re-use of existing buildings on the holding is given priority over new buildings and only where no suitable buildings are available will new development be acceptable;
• In the case of diversification proposals, there is sufficient certainty of long-term benefit to the farm business as an agricultural operation, that other rural businesses and the character and appearance of the countryside are not adversely affected; and
• The siting and design of the building respects its rural setting and does not harm the character of the landscape.

If the proposal involves a new or emerging business the application will need to be supported by evidence to demonstrate that the business will be capable of being economically sustained in the long term.

Justification

New farm buildings can have a major impact on the countryside, especially in prominent or open locations. Care therefore needs to be taken with the size, form, siting, design, colour, materials and landscaping of new farm buildings in order to reduce their impact on the countryside. The Council has adopted supplementary planning guidance on agricultural buildings in the Mendip Hills AONB and this will be reviewed.

Farm diversification activities can contribute to the local economy by providing opportunities for employment or recreation for residents and visitors and by resulting in increased patronage for local shops and services. Such activities, where they come within planning control, will generally be supported provided that the character and appearance of the countryside are not harmed.

New buildings for the purposes of agriculture are acceptable in the Green Belt, however those for other purposes, including farm-based diversification, are strictly controlled.

Proposals for recreation and tourism-based diversification should seek to provide links to and enhancement of the surrounding public rights of way and public access network.

Permission for equestrian development will be permitted provided that either individually or cumulatively:

• They do not harm the landscape or settlement character of the area;
• In areas at risk of flooding, the proposals pass the sequential test and can demonstrate through a flood risk assessment that they are safe and would not increase flood risk elsewhere;
• New buildings, shelters or arenas are located near existing farmsteads or groups of buildings but do not adversely impact on living conditions of properties.
• Developments outside settlements will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that they are sited and designed to be as unobtrusive as possible;
• The scale, design, colour and material of any new building (preferably of timber construction) or structure has regard for the rural setting and need to minimise light pollution in the countryside;
• There is no harm to identified ecological or heritage assets;
• There is no pollution of surrounding land and watercourses:
• Proposals will need to demonstrate that they would not prejudice highway safety; and
• Sufficient routes are available nearby where riding activities can take place without conflicting with the free flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic or with pre-existing outdoor activities.

Justification

The scale of horse related development varies from a single family pony in a small paddock with a field shelter to large commercial establishments such as riding schools, studs, livery yards or racing stables. The scale of the proposal will affect the possible impacts. This will be considered in assessing the application.

When assessing proposals for horse related development the impact on the landscape, traffic generation and highway safety will be the primary considerations.

Equine enterprises are an accepted land use in the countryside, however badly located or designed buildings or a proliferation in one area can have a significant effect on the landscape. In assessing the landscape impact regard will be had to buildings, hard standings, jumps, field boundaries, access ways and landscaping. Within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) additional care will need to be taken of the sensitive landscape and the existing SPD will be reviewed.

Elsewhere regard will be taken of the landscape character of the area described in the Landscape Character Assessment Supplementary Planning Document.

Proposals for outdoor sport and recreation activities which cannot be met within settlement boundaries will be permitted provided that the character and appearance of the countryside is not adversely affected. The scale of the proposal should respect the local need and the impact on the area. The location should be well related to the community it is intended to serve unless the nature of the actively by virtue of its noise and disturbance would be more suited to an isolated location. All proposals should not harm the living conditions of neighbouring properties, working farms or the safety of rural roads.

Where built facilities or structures are required, priority should be given to the reuse of any rural buildings on site. If none are available or additional buildings are required, they must meet the following criteria:

• Be directly related to the activity proposed;
• Sited and designed to be as unobtrusive as possible;
• The scale, layout and design should be high quality and reflect the rural character of the area;
• The site and buildings should be designed to accommodate other community needs, as appropriate, to prevent the proliferations of similar uses in the countryside;
• Lighting should be as unobtrusive as possible taking into account the impact on living conditions and ecology; and
• The proposal would not result in significant adverse impacts on the safety of the highway network.

Justification

Recreation facilities will normally be provided within towns and villages and will be required as part of major new developments. Nonetheless with the population increasing being housed in urban areas pressure on the countryside for formal and informal recreation is likely to increase. Urban fringe locations can often suffer from a proliferation of such uses which results in a change in the character of the area.

The policy aims to ensure that access to the countryside for sport and recreation is provided for the local population, that it is conveniently located, that it does not result in a proliferation of buildings in one area, that the character of the countryside is protected and that the impact is not harmful to neighbouring properties, farms or road safety.

The policy aims to locate activities close to the need. However, it is recognised that some activities would cause disturbance to local residents and could be better located distant from built up areas (such as clay pigeon shooting, motorsports). Similarly, some activities have specific locational requirements (such as fishing lakes, ski slopes).

The replacement of a single permanent dwelling in the countryside will be permitted, provided that:

• The dwelling it replaces has an existing lawful permanent residential use;
• The dwelling has not been abandoned;
• The dwelling has not been granted planning permission for the conversion from a non-residential building;
• The dwelling is not a designated or undesignated heritage asset;
• The replacement dwelling is within the same curtilage, is not out of scale and character with the surrounding area and its design and siting will not harm the character of the area, the living conditions of its own or adjoining occupiers; and
• The replacement dwelling is no more than a 50% increase in the size of the dwelling it replaces, providing that the dwelling itself is not a replacement dwelling.

Justification

Residential development outside settlement boundaries is strictly controlled. However, replacement dwellings in the countryside will be allowed on a 'one for one' basis if there is an existing lawful, permanent residential use to be continued. The policy does not apply to unlawfully occupied or constructed buildings and mobile homes or to buildings with occupancy conditions which restrict their use on a temporary basis or to non-permanent occupation such as holiday lets.

The replacement of a former rural building that has previously been converted (or has planning permission for conversion) to residential use from a non-residential use (such as barn conversions) will not be permitted as the purpose of permitting the original conversion will have been based on the aim of reusing an existing building which was assessed as being of permanent and substantial construction and capable of conversion without major or complete reconstruction. If the building is not capable of conversion, or it would be more convenient to demolish it and replace it with an entirely new dwelling, then this will not be accepted as a reason for allowing a new dwelling in an otherwise inappropriate location.

Evidence may be required to demonstrate that the building has not been abandoned. Proposals to rebuild on site where the dwelling has been abandoned or has already been demolished will be assessed as a new build and will not normally be permitted.

Proposals to replace dwellings which are listed buildings or which have been identified as being of local or regional historical importance or contribute to the locally distinctive rural environment will only be acceptable where the proposals accord with the relevant policies in the plan and the NPPF. These proposals will not normally be permitted and the Council will seek repair not replacement.

In principle, the replacement of an existing permanent dwelling on a similar 'one for one' basis is unlikely to harm the character of the countryside. However, siting, design and materials must all be appropriate to the location. Special regard should be paid to the use of appropriate building materials. The reclamation and re-use of appropriate traditional or natural materials from the demolished property may be required by condition. The size of the replacement dwelling will be assessed on the size of the existing dwelling at the time the application is submitted irrespective of any outstanding unimplemented planning permission(s) for extensions to the property.

The replacement dwelling should be sited on or close to the site of the existing dwelling in a position that is most advantageous in terms of minimising visual impact and of the relationship with adjoining uses and highway access and road safety. Where the replacement is not on the exact same site, conditions will be imposed on the permission to ensure the demolition and removal of the existing dwelling. Applicants will need to include details in the application regarding the sustainable reuse and disposal of waste from the demolition.

The council will seek to maintain the essential rural nature and distinctiveness of the countryside. The replacement of small country dwellings with more grandiose houses can radically change the character of a site to one of a more suburban nature and also reduce the supply of the smaller rural dwellings. A replacement dwelling, when clearly disproportional to the original, can be tantamount in its impact to a new dwelling and can therefore undermine both national and local policies on restriction of new development in the countryside.

Even where a site is well screened there is a wider concern to maintain the essential rural nature and qualities of the area.

Preventing the overdevelopment of sites, visual intrusion into the countryside and the need to ensure a supply of housing to meet the needs of the rural population are the principal reasons why significantly larger dwellings will not be permitted. The size of the replacement dwelling should therefore not exceed a 50% increase in floorspace of the dwelling it is replacing providing that dwelling is not itself a replacement dwelling. It should also respect the predominant character of existing properties in the area. Floorspace contained in ancillary buildings no longer required for their original use will only contribute towards the floorspace of the replacement dwelling if in close proximity to the original dwelling and if physical improvements or visual gains could be achieved by their removal.

The replacement of residential caravans or mobile homes, which do not benefit from a permanent planning permission, with permanent buildings will only be permitted in accordance with the policy on rural workers dwellings.

The conversion or re-use of rural buildings will be permitted providing that:

• The type and scale of use does not harm the countryside setting and that access to the proposal does not comprise access or safety on rural roads;
• They are of permanent and substantial construction and capable of conversion without major or complete reconstruction;
• The proposal would result in the enhancement of the immediate setting;
• Any architectural and historic significance of the building and its setting is preserved;
• The proposal respects the scale, form, materials and design of the existing building and does not harm the character of the surrounding area;
• The impact of external facilities (such as curtilage treatment, parking) is minimal and any landscaping respects the local rural character;
• Any extension as part of the conversion or subsequently should not be disproportionate to the original building and respect the scale and character of the building and its setting; and
• It would not have a significant adverse effect on the living conditions of adjoining occupiers or adversely affect the operation of working farms.

Retailing will not be permitted, other than farm shops, small scale village stores, proposals under 200 square metres or proposals that are ancillary to the main use.

If the building was completed within 10 years of the application being submitted for an agricultural or equestrian use the applicant will need to demonstrate that the conversion of this building is essential for the long-term benefit of the associated agricultural/forestry/equestrian operation.

To meet the test of ‘capable of conversion without major or complete reconstruction’ 70% of the original exterior walls should be standing and in good condition and the building should have a roof.

Justification

Government policy encourages the re-use and adaptation of rural buildings which can assist the rural economy by helping to meet the demand for workspace for rural businesses or by providing holiday accommodation. However, buildings remote from main roads and settlements will require particular consideration in terms of the potential for visual intrusion associated with re-use and the access and other services running to them.

The Council's preference is for the re-use of rural buildings for employment purposes. However, the conversion of buildings for recreational uses (including tourist attractions) or for holiday accommodation can help the rural economy and benefit the local community. The Council considers such uses are generally preferable to residential conversion which does little to help the rural economy and can harm the character and setting of some buildings. Indeed, not all buildings in the countryside will be suitable for conversion and the Council will need to be satisfied that all the criteria in the policy are met.

In order to determine whether the existing building is suitable for conversion a structural report and method statement may be required which demonstrates that the building can be converted without major or complete reconstruction and which clearly identifies all areas to be demolished and rebuilt, including any proposed reroofing.

An understanding of the essential features of the building, its relationship to the wider landscape setting and its sensitivity to change should inform the alterations that might be made.

Appropriate materials should be used and also methods of repair that respect the buildings significance. As the fabric of the building will embody its character and interest, as much as possible should be retained. Good practice advice prepared by Historic England is available to help inform a sensitive approach to any conversion.

In order to avoid abuse the policy will not apply where the building has been substantially completed within the last ten years, (either an agricultural building permitted under the General Development Order or another building which has obtained planning permission).

The partial or complete redevelopment of previously developed land outside settlement boundaries will be supported provided the physical impact of the development is commensurate with the previous development, the type and scale of development does not harm the countryside setting and that access to the proposal does not comprise access or safety on rural roads.

Residential use will be permitted if:

• It can be demonstrated that all attempts to secure an employment or alternative use have been unsuccessful; and
• The location is close to an existing settlement with a good range of facilities and services.

Retail uses other than proposals that are strictly ancillary to the main use or proposals under 200m2, will not be permitted.

All development on previously developed land in the countryside should ensure:

• The character and appearance of the countryside is not harmed;
• Existing structurally sound buildings on the site which contribute to the rural character of the area are maintained and converted;
• The materials, form, bulk and general design of new buildings are in keeping with their surroundings;
• The location has safe and convenient access to the highway network and would not result in a significant adverse impact;
• There are no significant adverse impacts on living conditions of adjoining occupiers or uses; and
• Redevelopment would bring significant local environmental, economic or social benefits.

Justification

The policy aims to ensure the most appropriate and sustainable re-use of land and buildings that are no longer required for their former use. It gives priority to economic uses over residential use in the countryside and ensures the enhancement of the site. Where an economic use cannot be found and sites are well located to an existing settlement with facilities and services, housing may be appropriate. Previously developed land is defined in the NPPF. Examples include garden centres which have a retail function, petrol filling stations and employment uses. It does not include land which is, or has been, used for agriculture and so does not apply to nurseries or horticultural sites. Residential gardens are not covered by this policy. Sites in the Green Belt and the AONB will also need to comply with those policy tests.

Development proposals for new buildings for business use (Use Classes B2, B8 or E(g)) on previously undeveloped sites outside settlements will only be permitted where no suitable redevelopment sites or redundant rural buildings suitable for re-use are available and:

• The proposal relates to processing locally grown produce or other land based rural business;
• The location has safe and convenient access to the highway network and would not result in a significant adverse impact;
• It would not have a significant adverse impact on the living conditions of adjoining occupiers; and
• It is demonstrated that the use could not be located at existing settlements or that the intended use specifically and measurably benefits from the specific countryside location.

Retailing, other than farm shops, small scale village stores, proposals under 200m2, or proposals that are ancillary to the main use, will not be permitted.

The character and appearance of the countryside must not be harmed and the materials, form, bulk and general design of new buildings will need to be in keeping with their surroundings.

Justification

While the overall approach is to steer development to the most sustainable locations where there is good access to the workforce, markets and public transport opportunities, the need to also support existing businesses in the countryside is recognised. This policy therefore sets out the circumstances where new development will be acceptable in principle.

New buildings are inappropriate in the Green Belt other than for the exceptions specified in the National Planning Policy Framework or in very special circumstances.

Replacement buildings, extensions to buildings, ancillary buildings or the intensification of use for existing businesses, located outside settlements will be permitted provided that:

• The scale of the proposal is not harmful to the character and appearance of the countryside;
• The materials, form, bulk and general design of buildings are in keeping with their rural surroundings;
• There is no significant adverse impact on living conditions of adjoining occupiers; and
• The proposed development has safe and convenient access to the highway network and would not result in a significant adverse impact.

The re-use of existing buildings is given priority over new development and only where no suitable buildings are available will new development be acceptable.

Proposals to extend outside the curtilage into surrounding countryside will need to be fully justified and not be harmful to the character and appearance of the countryside.

Retailing, other than proposals that are strictly ancillary to the main use or proposals under 200m2, will not be permitted.

Justification

The policy aims to support the expansion of existing rural businesses providing development does not unacceptably harm its rural location.

The NPPF supports sustainable growth and expansion of all types of business and enterprise in rural areas. Although the Council is committed to sustaining and enhancing the rural economy, it is also recognised that this needs to be balanced against protecting the landscape value and biodiversity of the countryside, as well as the character of the smaller settlements and villages. The Council's preference is therefore for the re-use of existing buildings outside settlement boundaries.

There may be instances where new buildings, outside the Green Belt, are acceptable to allow an existing business to expand provided that they are of a design and scale appropriate to their rural surroundings. The Council may need to evaluate whether or not it is beneficial to the rural economy for the business to expand or intensify in the same location or whether any detrimental effect on the character of the area would outweigh these benefits.

This policy does not apply to the conversion of redundant rural buildings which is covered by a separate policy and proposals for extensions or alterations to buildings located in the Green Belt should also comply with Green Belt policies.

The construction of new buildings for use as visitor accommodation outside the Green Belt and AONB will be permitted provided that:

• There are no other existing buildings suitable for conversion;
• The proposal is set within the well-established curtilage of an existing building and is located adjacent to that building;
• The development will not result in an adverse effect on the landscape or settlement character of the area due to the proliferation of tourist accommodation;
• The building is capable of proving a high standard of tourist accommodation in accordance with a national quality assessment scheme;
• The scale of the proposal is not harmful to the character and appearance of the countryside;
• The proposal would result in an enhancement of the immediate setting, and the impact of external facilities (curtilage treatment, parking) is minimal and landscaping respects the local rural character; and
• The materials, form, bulk and general design of buildings are in keeping with their rural surroundings.

Proposals for new or extended touring and static caravan outside the Green Belt and AONB will be permitted provided that:

• The proposal respects the scale, form, materials and design of any existing buildings and does not harm the character of the surrounding area;
• The re-use of existing buildings is given priority over new development and only where no suitable buildings are available will new development be acceptable; and
• Proposals are sited so as to minimise their visual and landscape impact, and extensions to existing sites that are considered intrusive must include environmental improvements to the existing site.

All visitor accommodation should:

• Not have a significant adverse effect on the living conditions of adjoining occupiers or adversely affect the operation of working farms; and
• Ensure there is safe and convenient access to the highway network and will not result in significant adverse impacts; and
• Lighting should be as unobtrusive as possible taking into account the impact on living conditions and ecology

For new build and conversions subsequent applications to change holiday accommodation to permanent residential use or the removal of conditions for holiday accommodation will not be permitted within 10 years of their construction unless the existing use is shown to be unviable. Caravan parks and lodges will be conditioned to ensure they are used solely for holiday use.

Proposals to use mobile homes on longstanding existing holiday parks for permanent residential accommodation will only be permitted if:

• They are outside flood zone 3; and
• Are easily accessible in relation to existing facilities and services.

Justification

The NPPF supports sustainable rural tourism that benefits businesses in rural areas, communities, visitors and which respects the character of the countryside. This includes the provision and expansion of appropriately located tourist and other visitor facilities to meet identified needs which aren't already elsewhere such as in villages.

There is however a need to ensure that there is a genuine demand for the provision and that it is suitable for long term use. Therefore, the policy sets out a 10 year timeframe for new buildings to be retained as tourist accommodation to ensure that any new proposal is genuinely seeking to establish a long-term business use as tourist accommodation and to ensure tourist accommodation is not used as a stepping stone to gaining full residential use. Caravan parks and lodges are not regarded as suitable for permanent residential use.

The legal definition of a caravan was established in the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960. It was modified in 1968 to include twin-unit mobile homes and again in 2006 when the sizes where increased. Caravan refers to any building that is designed to be lived in and can be transported by road in one or two sections. The term 'caravan' covers traditional touring caravans, static caravans and mobile/park homes, including log cabins which can be transported by road. When a twin-unit mobile home/log cabin is joined on-site it must remain divisible for transport.

Caravan and camping sites are not considered to be appropriate in the Green Belt. In the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty great weight will be given to conserving landscape and scenic beauty in accordance with national guidance. In other locations the policy supports sensitively designed and sited developments which avoid harm to the character of the surrounding area.

Given their potential impact on the landscape and the importance of raising the standard and therefore attractiveness of accommodation in the district, the strategy is to encourage investment in and retention of the most appropriately located sites. The re-use of existing buildings will also help to protect the countryside from further sporadic development.

Consideration will also need to be given on the impact of development through extension to existing or new sites where these are located within areas identified as being liable to flooding.