Local Plan Policies

The table below sets out the policies as set out in the Local Plan 2011-2031 (adopted 4th July 2017)

GP1 ACHIEVING NATIONAL PARK PURPOSES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
1. Sustainable development for Exmoor National Park will conserve and enhance the National Park, its natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage and its special qualities; promote opportunities for their understanding and enjoyment by the public, and in so doing, foster the social and economic wellbeing of local communities.
2. In achieving sustainable development all proposals for new development, activities and land use will demonstrate that:
a) they are consistent with the National Park’s legal purposes and duty. Where there is irreconcilable conflict between the statutory purposes, the conservation and enhancement of the National Park will prevail consistent with the Sandford Principle; and
b) they do not conflict with the vision and objectives of the Exmoor National Park Management Plan and the policies in this Local Plan read in combination.
3. Opportunities must be taken to contribute to the sustainable development of the area. Particular attention will be paid to:
a) ensuring high quality design and the intensity of the use or activity is appropriate to the character and appearance of the National Park;
b) the impact on the character and setting of the site and/or buildings;
c) supporting the function and resilience of communities by retaining and strengthening their services and facilities, protecting their safe, attractive public places and employment opportunities, and providing for a size, type and tenure of housing to address local affordable needs and help create a balanced community;
d) accessibility to services, local services and facilities, jobs and technology, enabling, where appropriate, the use of sustainable transport and the impact on traffic levels;
e) the efficient use of land, buildings, services and infrastructure;
f) the impact on the amenities of local residents, occupiers of neighbouring properties, and visitors, and conserving or enhancing the quiet enjoyment of the National Park;
g) the use of sustainable building techniques, materials and minimising energy use and waste;
h) maintaining the quality of natural resources and ensuring ground conditions are acceptable;
i) the needs of future generations, through sustainability and resilience to climate change and adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change; and
j) supporting the health and socio-economic wellbeing of local communities and encouraging community participation.

GP2 MAJOR DEVELOPMENT
1. In the context of the National Park, major development is defined as development which has the potential to have a significant adverse impact on the National Park and its special qualities due to its scale, character and nature.
2. In securing National Park purposes and responding to the National Park’s duty to foster the social and economic wellbeing of its communities, applications for major development will not be permitted except in exceptional circumstances; where applicants can demonstrate that they are in the public interest.
3. Proposals for major development will need to demonstrate:
a) the need for the development, including in terms of any national considerations;
b) the impact of permitting it, or refusing it, upon the local economy and local communities and the extent to which it will provide a significant net benefit to the National Park;
c) the cost of, and scope for, developing elsewhere outside the National Park, or meeting the need for it in some other way;
d) that there are no significant effects on proposed or designated European sites for nature conservation both within their boundaries and in areas that ecologically support the conservation objectives of the site;
e) any detrimental effect on the natural and historic environment, the landscape, and recreational opportunities, taking into account the National Park’s special qualities, and the extent to which any such effect could be moderated (through applying the avoidance, mitigation and compensation sequence of tests set out in clause 4 of this policy);
f) that the cumulative impact of the development when viewed with other proposals and types of development is acceptable; and
g) the scope for adequate restoration of the land once the use has ceased.
4. Where the tests of clause 3 have been met, then every effort to avoid adverse effects will be required. Where adverse effects cannot be avoided, appropriate steps must be taken to minimise harm through mitigation measures. Appropriate and practicable compensation will be expected for any unavoidable effects that cannot be mitigated.

GP3 SPATIAL STRATEGY
1. The spatial strategy aims to ensure that communities across the National Park continue to thrive so that they are economically resilient, environmentally sustainable, socially mixed and inclusive.  To facilitate sustainable development across the National Park, development proposals should accord with the spatial strategy.
2. For the named settlements (listed in Table 3.1), no development boundaries will be drawn.  Development proposals should ensure that the scale of development is proportionate to the settlement size and reflects the capacity of each settlement to accommodate new build development; positively responding to the surrounding landscape character, settlement form and pattern, and avoiding areas at risk of flooding.
3. Development within the named settlements should address the following:
a) Local Service Centres:  Development should strengthen the role and function of the Local Service Centres to sustain and improve the wide range of services and facilities, to serve the needs of the settlement and surrounding communities, address locally identified needs for housing and improve employment prospects for the local area.  New build development for local need affordable housing, business premises, and community services and facilities will be acceptable in principle where it is well related to existing buildings in the settlements.
b) Villages:  Development will contribute to and provide opportunities to address locally identified needs for housing and employment and sustain core services and facilities within these communities.  New build development for local need affordable housing, business premises, and community services and facilities will be acceptable where it is well related to existing buildings in the settlements.
c) Porlock Weir:  Any proposals for new development will need to demonstrate that they are consistent with the principles in policy CC-S4 Replacement Development from Coastal Change Management Areas, for the replacement of development through relocation and measures for the management of buildings/facilities at risk of being lost to coastal change.  Additional new build development will only be considered to be acceptable in relation to the provision of local need affordable housing and small-scale business premises that directly address the needs of the community; where it can be demonstrated that this will not significantly reduce the landscape capacity for relocating development at risk of being lost to coastal change identified within the Coastal Change Management Area (CC-S3), or reduce the net habitat value available to Barbastelle bats.  New build housing schemes that require cross subsidy through Principal Residence housing or accessible and adaptable homes will not be permitted.
4.    Outside the named settlements the area is identified as the Open Countryside where the focus of new build development will be on improving the sustainability of rural land-based businesses (HC-D8 New Build Dwellings in the Open Countryside, HC-D9 Rural Workers, HC-D10 Succession Farming – Second Dwellings on Established Farms and SE-S4 Agricultural and Forestry Development), providing opportunities for home-based businesses (SE-D1) and enabling self-build opportunities for local affordable housing in sustainable locations (HC-D6 Custom/Self Build Local Need Housing).

GP4 THE EFFICIENT USE OF LAND AND BUILDINGS
1. Development proposals will be encouraged which demonstrate the efficient use of land and buildings including through:
a) the redevelopment of brownfield land located within the built extent of the named settlements that does not have a high ecological value; or
b) the re-use of existing buildings within the built extent of the named settlements, or within or well-related to hamlets and farmsteads.
2. Development within or adjoining the named settlements should reflect the historic form and pattern of the settlement, and make best use of land on the site in terms of the density of buildings and green infrastructure provision.
3. A density of at least 30 dwellings per hectare will apply to developments of 10 or more dwellings.
4. Development should not result in the loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 and 3a) unless the development of alternative sites would conflict with National Park purposes.

GP5 SECURING PLANNING BENEFITS – PLANNING OBLIGATIONS
1. Planning obligations will be required where they are considered reasonable, necessary and appropriate to:
a) ensure that development can be made acceptable in the context of conserving and enhancing the National Park and its special qualities;
b) address infrastructure capacity deficits; and
c) bring development in line with policy objectives.
2. Where a financial contribution is required for affordable housing in accordance with other policies in this Plan, the financial contribution will, at minimum, be of an equivalent value to the affordable housing which would have been provided on site and secured through a planning obligation.
3. The need for a Community Infrastructure Levy will be reviewed periodically through the Infrastructure Delivery Plan.

CE-S1 LANDSCAPE AND SEASCAPE CHARACTER
1. The high quality, diverse and distinct landscapes and seascapes of Exmoor National Park will be conserved and enhanced.
2. Development should be informed by and complement the distinctive characteristics of the:
a) landscape character types and areas identified in the Exmoor National Park Landscape Character Assessment; and
b) seascape character areas and types identified in the North Devon and Exmoor Seascape Character Assessment.
3. Development proposals should also have regard to, and be appropriate in terms of impact with, the conservation of significant landscape and seascape attributes including:
a) Section 3 Land;
b) Heritage Coast;
c) Landscape setting of Exmoor’s settlements;
d) Historic field patterns and boundary features;
e) Important trees, tree groups and orchards.
4. Opportunities to conserve, enhance and restore important landscapes, seascapes and their characteristics, including minimising existing visual detractions, will be encouraged.

CE-D1 PROTECTING EXMOOR’S LANDSCAPES AND SEASCAPES
1. Development will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that it is compatible with the conservation and enhancement of Exmoor’s landscapes and seascapes through ensuring that:
a) the visual impact of the development in its immediate and wider setting is minimised through high quality design that reflects local landscape character with particular regard to scale, siting, materials, and colour; and
b) the cumulative and/or sequential landscape and visual effects of development do not detract from the natural beauty of the National Park and the experience of tranquillity.
2. Within Exmoor’s Heritage Coast development should be appropriate to the coastal location and conserve the undeveloped nature of the coast consistent with Heritage Coast purposes.
3. Landscaping schemes should reinforce local landscape or seascape character and where these are required, conditions will be attached to protect important landscape characteristics and elements and whether appropriate replacement or additional landscape elements will be required.
4. Proposals which are significant in terms of scale and/or impact should provide a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment as part of the application submission.

CE-S2 PROTECTING EXMOOR’S DARK NIGHT SKY
1. The tranquillity and dark sky experience of the Exmoor National Park Dark Sky Reserve and the National Park as a whole, will be maintained and improved.
2. Development proposals should seek to reduce light spillage and eliminate all unnecessary forms of artificial outdoor lighting in the National Park by ensuring that:
a) The Dark Sky Reserve Core Zone is protected from permanent illumination.
b) External lighting within the Dark Sky Reserve Critical Buffer Zone is strictly controlled.
c) Good lighting management and design is applied throughout the National Park to avoid unacceptable adverse impacts on:
i) the visual character of the landscape, seascape, and historic built environment;
ii) wildlife and habitats; and
iii) local visual amenity and safety.
3. Development proposals that involve external lighting, outside the Dark Sky Reserve Core Zone, will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that they are required for safety, security or community reasons and where the details minimise light spillage; having regard to the Lighting Management Plan guidance.

CE-S3 BIODIVERSITY AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
1. The conservation and enhancement of wildlife, habitats and sites of geological interest within the National Park will be given great weight.
2. Development delivery, management agreements and positive initiatives will conserve, restore and re-create priority habitats and conserve and increase priority species identified for Exmoor in the Exmoor Wildlife Research and Monitoring Framework (or successor publication).
3. Sites designated for their international, national or local importance, priority habitats, priority or protected species, ancient woodland and veteran trees will be protected from development likely to have direct or indirect adverse effects including on their conservation objectives. Protection will be commensurate with their status, giving appropriate weight to their importance, in accordance with the following principles:
a) Development likely to have a significant effect on any internationally designated site either directly or indirectly, including on features outside the designated site which support the ecological functioning of cited habitats and species, will not be permitted unless it can be ascertained that the development will not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the site.
b) Development likely to have an adverse impact on the notified special interest features of nationally designated sites will not be permitted. An exception will be made only where the benefits of the development, at that site, clearly outweigh both the impacts it is likely to have on the special interest features of the designated site and any broader impacts on the network of nationally designated sites.
c) Development likely to cause harm to legally protected species, or lead to the loss of or damage to their habitats, will not be permitted unless this can be mitigated or then offset so that local populations are at least maintained.
d) Development likely to adversely affect local sites designated for their wildlife will not be permitted, unless it can be demonstrated that the need for, and benefits of, the development clearly outweigh the loss of biodiversity.
e) Development likely to adversely affect priority species and habitats must be avoided wherever possible (subject to the legal tests afforded to them) unless the need for, and the benefits of the development are exceptional and clearly outweigh the loss of biodiversity.
f) Development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable ancient woodland (including ancient semi-natural woodland and plantations on ancient woodland sites) and veteran trees, will not be permitted unless the need for and the benefits of the development are wholly exceptional and clearly outweigh the loss of biodiversity.
4. Regionally important geological sites (RIGS) will be safeguarded for their geological and geomorphological interest.
5. Where, in exceptional circumstances and following an assessment against clauses 1, 2, 3 (b)-(f) and/or 4 above where required, the need for and benefits of the development are considered to outweigh the harm to habitats, species or the geological interest of sites, measures will be required to first avoid such impacts, and if they cannot be avoided, to mitigate harm or, as a last resort, to provide appropriate compensatory measures.
6. The enhancement of biodiversity and creation of multi-functional green infrastructure networks at a variety of spatial scales, including cross-boundary connectivity to areas adjacent to the National Park, that help support ecosystem services will be encouraged.
7. Opportunities will be promoted for habitat management, restoration, expansion that strengthens the resilience of the ecological network, and enables habitats and species adapt to climate change or to mitigate the effects of climate change.
8. Green infrastructure that incorporates measures to enhance biodiversity, including dispersal areas identified within the ecological network, should be provided as an integral part of new development.

CE-D2 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PROVISION
1. Development proposals should include measures that will enhance green infrastructure provision and create opportunities for wildlife in the National Park commensurate with the scale of the proposal and intensity of activity expected.
2. Green infrastructure proposals should:
a) protect and enhance existing natural and historic environments;
b) strengthen connectivity and resilience of ecological networks;
c) be locally distinctive through reflecting and enhancing landscape character;
d) maximise opportunities to mitigate and adapt to climate change; or
e) improve quality of life through provision of benefits for health and well-being, including opportunities to access open space and enjoyment of the National Park and its special qualities.
3. Proposals will be encouraged where a range of green infrastructure benefits can be achieved.

CE-S4 CULTURAL HERITAGE AND HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT
1. Exmoor National Park’s local distinctiveness, cultural heritage, and historic environment, will be conserved and enhanced to ensure that present and future generations can increase their knowledge, awareness and enjoyment of these special qualities.
2. Development proposals affecting heritage assets (identified on the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record) and their settings, will be considered in a manner appropriate to their significance including:
a) designated conservation areas, scheduled monuments, listed buildings, and registered historic parks and gardens; and
b) locally important historic sites and features, including Principal Archaeological Landscapes.
3. Development proposals should make a positive contribution to the local distinctiveness of the historic environment and ensure that the character, special interest, integrity, and significance of any affected heritage asset and its setting is conserved or enhanced.
4. Development proposals likely to affect heritage assets and/or the setting of heritage assets should be supported by a desk-based assessment appropriate to their significance. In certain cases, developers will be required to arrange for archaeological or historic building evaluations – these should be prepared in accordance with the Conduct of Archaeological Work and Historic Building Recording within Exmoor National Park (Annex 1).
5. Where development proposals will lead to substantial harm to, or total loss of significance of, a designated heritage asset, permission will be refused.
6. Adverse impacts on locally important heritage assets and/or their settings should be avoided. Where proposals are likely to cause substantial harm to or loss of locally important assets, permission will only be granted in exceptional circumstances where the public benefit outweighs the asset’s historic or archaeological interest, having regard to the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the heritage asset. The features of interest should be preserved in situ, but where this is not justifiable or feasible, provision must be made for appropriate preservation by record.
7. Development proposals should positively reinforce the historic character of Exmoor’s settlements through reflecting the traditional vernacular architecture and enhancing local distinctiveness.

CE-D3 CONSERVING HERITAGE ASSETS
1. Conservation Areas
Development proposals affecting conservation areas should ensure that:
a) the character or appearance of the area is preserved or enhanced;
b) they deliver high quality design and incorporate materials that reflect the scale, architectural quality and detailing of the area.
2. Principal Archaeological Landscapes
Development proposals affecting Principal Archaeological Landscapes (PALs) should be well related to existing development and of a scale and form that will not cause unacceptable adverse effects on the significance, integrity or context of the PAL as a whole or its individual components.
3. Heritage Assets and their Settings
Development proposals affecting a heritage asset and its setting should demonstrate:
a) a positive contribution to the setting through sensitive design and siting;
b) the promotion of the understanding and enjoyment of the heritage asset and its setting or better reveal its significance and appreciation of the setting; and
c) avoidance of unacceptable adverse effects and cumulative visual effects that would impact on the setting.
4. Heritage Assets and Climate Change
Development proposals affecting heritage assets that are required to adapt to, or mitigate the effects of, climate change will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that:
a) measures to adapt to climate change will safeguard the heritage asset over the longer term, and conserve their special interest; or
b) measures to mitigate the effects of climate change will not harm the special interest or appearance of the heritage asset.
5. Redundant Heritage Assets and Assets at Risk
a) development proposals that seek to bring heritage assets, that are redundant or at risk, into a viable use in ways that are consistent with their long term conservation will be encouraged; and
b) proposals should be consistent with policy CE-S4 Cultural Heritage and Historic Environment and CE-S5 Principles for the Conversion or Structural Alteration of Existing Buildings to ensure they continue to positively enhance local character and distinctiveness.

CE-S5 PRINCIPLES FOR THE CONVERSION OR STRUCTURAL ALTERATION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
1. The conversion or structural alteration of any existing building will be permitted where the proposal:
a) accords with the relevant policies in this Plan in terms of the intended use;
b) clearly demonstrates that the building is capable of conversion without substantial reconstruction;
c) is suitable for the existing building in terms of the intended use and the intensity of that use, in relation to its capacity, structure and character without substantial alteration; where the conversion of a building relates to a change of use to a dwelling, sufficient curtilage space should be provided where the delineation of this space would not individually or cumulatively result in harm to the character of the building or its setting; and
d) maintains or replaces any existing bat and barn owl roosts.
2. In addition to clause 1, proposals for the conversion or structural alteration of traditional buildings, should also:
a) ensure the historic fabric, and architectural interest of the building and its setting including the retention of existing traditional and historic features are conserved and enhanced; and
b) reflect the character and significance of the building and conserve its traditional appearance through sensitive design and the use of traditional materials, detailing and construction principles.
3. Conditions will be attached to remove permitted development rights granted by the General Permitted Development Order 1995 to ensure the character and appearance of traditional buildings are conserved.
4. In addition to clause 1, proposals for the conversion or structural alteration of non-traditional buildings, will only be permitted if traditional buildings are demonstrated to be incompatible with the intended use or no such buildings are present, and where:
a) the building is of permanent and substantial construction; and
b) environmental and visual enhancement to the building and/or its setting are incorporated into the proposals where necessary to deliver an overall acceptable scheme.

CE-S6 DESIGN AND SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION PRINCIPLES
1. Development proposals should deliver high quality sustainable designs that conserve and enhance the local identity and distinctiveness of Exmoor’s built and historic environment and in doing so applicants will be expected to demonstrate the following design principles:
a) All new build development should positively contribute to its setting in terms of siting, massing, scale, height, orientation, density and layout.
b) The materials and design elements of a new building or conversion of an existing building, should complement the local context through the use of traditional and natural sustainable building materials. The use of locally-sourced sustainable building materials will be encouraged.
c) Design should reinforce landscape character and the positive arrangement of landscape features through planting and landscaping schemes, boundary treatments, and surfacing. Existing features such as trees, hedges and stone walls should be retained particularly where they are characteristic of the streetscape and/or the local area.
d) Design should have regard to health and well-being and ensure that sufficient public and/or private space is provided or available, and footpaths and cycleways are incorporated where appropriate.
e) The design and layout of development should have regard to improving safety, inclusivity and accessibility for those who live, work and visit there.
f) The layout and design of new streets and associated infrastructure, required as part of new build development proposals, should respond to local character and the scale, and proportions of the historic street pattern. Opportunities for streets to be used as social spaces will be encouraged.
g) The use and activity of the development should not detrimentally affect the amenities of surrounding properties and occupiers including overlooking, loss of daylight, overbearing appearance, or other adverse environmental impacts.
2. To incorporate sustainable construction methods, proposals should:
a) promote the sustainable use of resources;
b) provide adequate access to, and storage for, recycling waste; and
c) future proof against climate change impacts, including flood risk, in accordance with CC-S1.
3. Proposals that reduce carbon emissions further than required by Building Regulations, including through improving energy efficiency or through renewable and low carbon technologies (CC-S5), will be encouraged.

CE-D4 EXTENSIONS TO BUILDNGS
1. New additions or extensions to existing buildings should accord with the relevant policy considerations in terms of the existing or proposed use of the building, and will only be permitted where:
a) they will complement the form, character and setting of the original building;
b) the extension is appropriate in terms of scale and massing;
c) the roofline of any extension respects the form and symmetry of the original building; and
d) bat roosts are maintained or replaced.
2. Extensions to traditional buildings should reflect and sustain the historic significance, character and appearance of the original building through the sensitive design and use of materials, detailing, and construction principles to ensure the architectural interest, historic fabric and features, and setting of the building are conserved and enhanced.

CE-D5 ADVERTISEMENTS AND PRIVATE ROAD SIGNS
1. Advertisements, and private road signs will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that in the interests of amenity:
a) the proposal represents a joint / community advertisement or sign; or the advertisement is located on, or is well related to the building that is used for the business or attraction;
b) there will be no adverse individual, cumulative, or sequential impact on landscape character and local distinctiveness of the locality; and
c) the size, scale, colour and siting are appropriate and the materials and design are of a high standard which conserve or enhance the character and appearance of the area.
2. The proposal should have no detrimental impact on public safety.
3. Opportunities to enhance existing buildings or the landscape through consolidating, redesigning or removing existing advertisements / signage will be encouraged.

CE-D6 SHOPFRONTS
1. Traditional shopfronts will be retained and restoration will be encouraged where appropriate.
2. The provision of new shopfronts or the replacement or alteration of non-traditional shopfronts will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that the scale, colour, materials and design are of a high standard which conserve and enhance the character and appearance of the host building and the wider streetscape.

CE-S7 SMALL SCALE WORKING OR RE-WORKING FOR BUILDING AND ROOFING STONE
1. Proposals for small scale quarries or the reworking of existing small quarries to provide building or roofing stone, including for the repair of heritage assets, will be permitted where it can be clearly demonstrated that:
a) the local building material cannot be sourced sustainably from elsewhere, including from outside the National Park, and the loss of supply would result in the devaluing of the built fabric of the National Park;
b) there is a demonstrable need within the National Park and any minerals won will be for use within the National Park;
c) proposals would help to provide local employment and reduce ‘stone’ miles;
d) there is suitable access and it is of a scale appropriate for its location in the National Park;
e) it would not adversely affect the landscape character, wildlife, cultural heritage, geodiversity, special qualities, or tranquillity of the National Park, or the health or amenity of local communities;
f) there are no suitable sources of previously used or banked materials that are reasonably available;
g) permitted operations do not have unacceptable adverse impacts on the natural and historic environment or human health, including from noise, dust, visual intrusion, traffic, tip and quarry-slope stability, differential settlement of quarry backfill, mining subsidence, increased flood risk, impacts on the flow and quantity of surface and groundwater, and migration of contamination from the site; and take into account any cumulative effects of multiple impacts of individual sites; and
h) any unavoidable noise, dust and particle emissions and any blasting vibrations are controlled, mitigated or removed at source, and establish appropriate noise limits for extraction in proximity to noise sensitive properties.
2. Any waste materials from extraction will be re-used or recycled. A scheme for restoration and after-use of the site should be submitted with the application to ensure that it will be carried out to high environmental standards, based upon conservation and enhancement of landscape character, geodiversity, biodiversity, and the historic environment.
3. Conditions may be applied to limit the annual extraction rate.

CE-S8 MINERAL DEVELOPMENT
1. Proposals for mineral development, other than that permitted by policies CE-S7 and CE-D7, will not be permitted in the National Park unless in exceptional circumstances, and where they are demonstrated to be in the public interest in accordance with the tests set out in policy GP2 Major Development.
2. If the tests for major development are met, the development and all restoration will be subject to a planning obligation to ensure:
a) the development should be carried out to high environmental standards and respond to the local landscape character including its natural topography;
b) ensure that any unavoidable noise, dust and particle emissions and any blasting vibrations are controlled, mitigated or removed at source, and establish appropriate noise limits for extraction in proximity to noise sensitive properties;
c) any waste materials from the mineral development will be re-used or recycled consistent with CC-S6 Waste Management; and
d) a scheme for restoration and after-use of the site should be submitted with the application to ensure it will be carried out to high environmental standards based upon conservation and enhancement of landscape character, geodiversity and biodiversity, and the historic environment.

CE-D7 INTERIM DEVELOPMENT ORDER PERMISSIONS
1. Interim Development Order permissions will be subject to an environmental impact assessment that will determine a set of comprehensive conditions in order to mitigate and control any adverse impact on the National Park’s landscape, wildlife, geodiversity, cultural heritage, other special qualities, its enjoyment, or the health and amenity of local communities and to ensure satisfactory restoration and after-care of the site. Particular regard will be paid to:
a) the visual impact on the landscape;
b) the potential effect on ecological, archaeological and historical features;
c) the potential effect on the amenity of local communities or visitors in terms of noise, disturbance, and pollution (including light and dust), and the quiet enjoyment of the National Park;
d) the potential impact on the recreational use of the area;
e) hours of operation; and
f) access, traffic generation and highway safety.

CC-S1 CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND ADAPTATION
1. Climate change mitigation measures will be encouraged by:
a) Promoting the energy hierarchy through: first reducing the need for energy; then using energy efficiently; and using small scale low carbon and renewable energy including through sustainable design and construction (GP1 and CE-S6).
b) Avoiding sites that would put wildlife at risk.
c) Measures that ensure sustainable and efficient water supplies and reduce the demand for water including through water conservation.
d) Measures that support the management of uplands and woodlands to assist in carbon sequestration and storage.
2. Proposals to adapt to the consequences of climate change will be encouraged by:
a) Avoiding development in areas at risk of flooding (CC-D1).
b) Improving the resilience of development, essential services and infrastructure to cope with changes in climate.
c) Promoting land management which reduces the overall risk of flooding in and around the area, working with natural processes.

CC-D1 FLOOD RISK
1. Development proposals will be permitted where they:
a) are consistent with the sequential test and applicants demonstrate that sites at little or no risk of flooding are developed in preference to areas at higher risk;
b) do not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere;
c) do not reduce the potential of land used for current or future flood management;
d) are compatible with the appropriate Catchment Flood Management Plan or Shoreline Management Plan; and
e) use development to reduce the risk of flooding through location, layout and design and incorporate sustainable drainage systems to minimise surface water run-off and avoid pollution.
2. Where appropriate, a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment should support proposals.
3. Where, as a result of applying the sequential test, a development is approved on an exceptions basis, planning agreements or developer contributions will be sought to ensure that the development is protected from flooding to the appropriate standard throughout its lifetime. Any required additional or enhanced flood defences should not conflict with National Park purposes.

CC-S2 COASTAL DEVELOPMENT
1. Proposals for development should avoid areas at risk from coastal change, ensure they are compatible with the latest Shoreline Management Plan and available coastal vulnerability data, and where necessary undertake a vulnerability assessment. Development that would increase the risk of coastal erosion will not be permitted.
2. Development will be permitted at the coast only where it has been demonstrated that it:
a) is located in a named settlement (GP3 Spatial Strategy) or requires a coastal location;
b) is not within an area identified at risk of coastal change including Coastal Change Management Areas unless it is essential infrastructure or sea defences which clearly require such a location and there are no alternative solutions;
c) is appropriate to the setting and character of the coastline (CE-S1 Landscape and Seascape Character, CE-D1 Protecting Exmoor’s Landscapes and Seascapes) and does not adversely affect coastal interests including coastal biodiversity and heritage assets; and
d) does not increase risk to life or property, or affect the natural coastal processes at any part of the coastline both within and outside of the National Park.

CC-S3 PORLOCK WEIR COASTAL CHANGE MANAGEMENT AREA
1. A Coastal Change Management Area (CCMA) is designated at Porlock Weir as shown on the Policies Map.
2. Within the Porlock Weir CCMA:
a) Permanent new residential development will not be permitted.
b) Change of use will be permitted for less vulnerable and water compatible tourism-related development, shops, small scale business or leisure activities requiring a coastal location and providing substantial economic and social benefits to the community.
c) Key community infrastructure will be permitted, which has to be sited within the CCMA to provide the intended benefits to the wider community and there are clear, costed plans to manage the impact of coastal change on it and the service it provides.
d) Adaption measures to existing buildings and businesses, which increase resilience to flood risk will be supported.
e) Barbastelle bat habitat will be maintained so that there is no net loss from development.
3. Any development permitted under (2) above will be subject to time-limited planning permissions.
4. Replacement of buildings and facilities likely to be lost as a result of coastal change will be permitted in accordance with policy CC-S4 Replacement Development from CCMAs.
5. A strategy for Porlock Weir and surrounding area will be produced in line with the principles in (2) above and CC-S4 Replacement Development from CCMAs. Any proposal for adaptation and relocation at Porlock Weir will be required to be achieved in accordance with this strategy.

CC-S4 REPLACEMENT DEVELOPMENT FROM COASTAL CHANGE MANAGEMENT AREAS
1. The replacement of development within CCMAs at risk from coastal change through relocation must be consistent with the following principles:
a) it is important to the well-being of the coastal community affected;
b) it is not within an area likely to be affected by physical changes to the coast;
c) it is well-related to current buildings and infrastructure including in its siting, scale, height and design (CE-S6);
d) replacement development is of the same size and use as the original asset at risk unless an opportunity for significant visual enhancement can be demonstrated in accordance with GP1. In the case of dwellings, they accord with the floorspace provision in HC-D17;
e) the site of the original development at risk it replaces is either cleared or managed to be rendered safe for the local community, environment and consistent with National Park purposes; and
f) the overall proposal considering both new development and management of that which is to be lost will result in no unacceptable impact on the landscape, biodiversity (including habitats used by barbastelle bats), built environment, townscape or local communities.

CC-D2 WATER CONSERVATION
1. Development proposals should demonstrate how water conservation measures will be incorporated in their proposals and how demand for water will be minimised, including measures for the recycling, storage and reuse of rainwater and greywater. Retrofitting of existing properties will also be encouraged where appropriate.
2. On-farm water storage through small scale reservoirs, bunds and ponds will be supported where they enhance water supplies and are compatible with National Park purposes.
3. Development proposals which lead to an increase in the demand for water in locations where the existing water supply is inadequate or cannot be satisfactorily improved, or where additional abstraction will have an adverse effect on existing supplies, fisheries, recreational or nature conservation interests will not be supported.

CC-S5 LOW CARBON AND RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
1. Development proposals for small scale renewable energy schemes that assist in contributing towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving towards a carbon neutral National Park will be permitted where they:
a) contribute towards meeting domestic, community or business energy needs within the National Park;
b) are compatible with the landscape and seascape character of the locality and avoid the most sensitive landscapes;
c) do not compromise the natural beauty, wildlife, cultural heritage or historic environment of the National Park, or lessen the enjoyment of its special qualities, either on their own, or in a combination with other schemes;
d) do not adversely affect habitat quality or the maintenance of wildlife populations;
e) provide environmental enhancement or community benefits wherever possible;
f) conserve the amenity of the area including in relation to landscape and visual impact, tranquillity, access and recreation, air and water quality, noise, dust, odour and traffic generation; and
g) make provision for the removal of the facilities and reinstatement of the site, should it cease to be operational.
2. Proposals for renewable energy development that do not meet the criteria in (1) above, will not be permitted.

CC-D3 SMALL SCALE WIND TURBINES
1. Proposals for individual wind turbines serving individual properties or groups of properties will only be permitted where:
a) they are sited within suitable areas of the National Park, excluding Landscape Character Types A: High Coastal Heaths and D: Open Moorland as shown on the Policies Map;
b) they are appropriate in scale to the property being served, with a maximum height of 20m to rotor tip;
c) there is no unacceptable landscape or visual impact including cumulative impacts; and any residual impacts are minimised by locating the turbine close to any associated development or features and by screening and colour of the turbine;
d) there is no unacceptable adverse impact on tranquillity or amenity including the effects of shadow flicker and noise on nearby properties or access routes;
e) the location does not conflict with the use of the area for recreation and access, and public safety is not compromised; and
f) access to the site for construction and maintenance can be provided without damage to rural roads or historic bridges and fords.

CC-D4 FREESTANDING SOLAR ARRAYS
1. Small scale freestanding solar arrays to serve the needs of individual properties, groups of properties, community buildings such as village halls, agricultural properties or other businesses will be permitted where:
a) they are sited within suitable areas of the National Park, excluding Landscape Character Types A: High Coastal Heaths and D: Open Moorland as shown on the Policies Map;
b) they are appropriate in scale and in proportion to the size of the property they are intended to serve;
c) they are suitably sited and screened to avoid any intrusive visual or landscape impact, and where they are clearly associated with the buildings or properties that they are intended to serve;
d) they are sensitively sited to avoid impacts on wildlife and land of high ecological interest;
e) the design, colour and choice of materials minimises any visual impact; and
f) they do not harm the significance and setting of listed buildings or other heritage assets, or cause damage to archaeological interests.
2. Proposals for ground mounted solar arrays that are sited in isolation away from existing built forms will not be permitted.

CC-S6 WASTE MANAGEMENT
1. The National Park Authority will work with the waste collection and disposal authorities, partner organisations and local communities to promote sustainable management of waste through the waste hierarchy.
2. Large scale waste facilities, including landfill sites and specialised processing plants, will not be permitted in the National Park.
3. Construction and demolition waste should be minimised and must be managed and re-used on site where there will be no harmful impacts. Where re-use on site may result in an environmental risk to biodiversity, the historic environment (such as archaeology or setting of a heritage asset), local communities or the water environment, appropriate off-site waste management or disposal will be required.
4. Applications for all major developments (as defined in the Development Management Procedure Order) must demonstrate how the construction and operational phases of the development will be consistent with the principles of sustainable waste management through a waste audit.
5. Waste facilities for small scale reuse, recycling, and composting will only be permitted to meet the identified needs of, and serve individual local communities, where they do not include importation of waste from outside that community. Community waste facilities should be well-related to settlements, in accordance with GP3 Spatial Strategy, to avoid the need to travel, and to avoid any unacceptable adverse impact on local communities and amenity, landscape, wildlife and the cultural heritage of the National Park.
6. Small scale anaerobic digesters and waste management facilities on farms will only be permitted where they source feedstock and waste from within the National Park and/or from parishes adjoining the National Park. Farm facilities should be suitably located on the farm to avoid impacts on the natural and cultural environment and traffic generation. Proposals for anaerobic digesters should also accord with policy CC-S5 (Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Development).
7. Proposals relating to waste water and sewage facilities for storage and disposal should ensure that such infrastructure is appropriate in terms of its location, scale and design to avoid adverse impacts on the National Park and surrounding area (policy CC-D5 Sewerage Capacity and Sewage Disposal).
8. The National Park Authority will require the appropriate restoration and after-use of waste sites, through the application of appropriate conditions where necessary, based upon conservation and enhancement of landscape character, geodiversity and biodiversity, the historic environment and quiet enjoyment of the National Park.

CC-D5 SEWERAGE CAPACITY AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL
1. Development proposals for, or which require new or extended sewerage infrastructure, will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that the facility will pose no unacceptable harm to public health, amenity or environmental quality. The following criteria must also be satisfied:
a) the appropriate location, scale and design of the infrastructure (CE-S6 Design and Sustainable Construction Principles);
b) the use of necessary mitigation measures (including climate change resilience measures), to avoid impacts on surrounding areas including noise, air, soil and water pollution, odour, litter, visual intrusion, and other disturbances; and
c) connection to a public mains sewer, where available and physically possible. Where this is not the case, proposals for non-mains sewerage should first consider a combined sewage treatment system, or if this is not feasible, a system incorporating septic tank(s). Proposals which require non-mains sewerage must demonstrate that the proposal cannot be connected to a public mains sewer.
2. Satisfactory arrangements should be made to ensure the public sewerage infrastructure can appropriately manage the additional required capacity of the proposal before the development is occupied or activated.
3. Development proposals which exceed the capacity of private sewerage infrastructure or which do not otherwise include satisfactory arrangements consistent with the requirements of this policy will not be permitted. For development proposals that require new or extended private sewerage infrastructure, this must be provided before the development is occupied or activated to ensure current sewerage capacity is not exceeded.
4. Regularly occupied development such as residential buildings will not be permitted in locations likely to be unacceptably affected by the proximity of sewerage infrastructure.

CC-S7 POLLUTION
1. Applicants should first seek to avoid pollution where possible including through using preventative measures and working in partnership.
2. Where pollution cannot be avoided development proposals will be expected to demonstrate that there will be no unacceptable adverse impacts individually or cumulatively on the environment (including groundwater source protection zones, natural resources), public health, communities, quality of life, amenity and neighbouring land uses including areas outside of the National Park by:
a) minimising any residual impacts to an acceptable level;
b) storing materials including agricultural slurry/by-products in a way that will not pollute the surrounding environment and natural resources including in flood events; and
c) remediating contaminated land before development proceeds (in the case of proposals on or affected by contaminated land).
3. Proposals which seek to reduce pollution and include measures to improve the quality of the surrounding environment and resources will be encouraged.

HC-S1: HOUSING
1. The purpose of housing development will be to address the housing needs of local communities. The principal community identified need is for affordable housing with local occupancy ties.  Exceptionally, new housing development will be permitted where it addresses an identified local housing need for:
a) Affordable homes that remain affordable in perpetuity and which will be occupied by local persons in proven housing need in accordance with the local occupancy definition in HC-S3.
b) Homes for rural workers in agriculture, forestry or other rural land based enterprises with a proven essential, functional need in accordance with HC-D9 or to enable succession farming on established farm businesses in accordance with HC-D10.
c) An Extended Family dwelling, in accordance with HC-D5, which will be occupied by local persons in perpetuity.
2. Accessible and adaptable housing for older people and other vulnerable members of the community will be permitted where:
a) it meets an identified need for accessible and adaptable affordable housing in accordance with clause 1(a) above; or
b) it will cross-subsidise at least two units of local need affordable housing, as part of a wider new-build housing development, or will cross-subsidise at least one unit of local need affordable housing as part of a wider housing conversion scheme (HC-S2, HC-D4).
3. Consistent with an exceptions approach to housing, provision will not be made for housing solely to meet open market demand and housing land will not be allocated in the development plan. Principal Residence market housing will only be permitted where:
a) it is essential to deliver local need affordable housing in a Local Service Centre or Village to meet an identified local need and it accords with Policy HC-S4; or
b) the proposal relates to a Vacant Building in a Local Service Centre or Village (HC-D1).
4.  Clause 3 b) above and policy HC-D1 of this Plan will only apply as long as government guidance on planning obligations relating to vacant buildings credit is extant. If the guidance changes, policy HC-D1 and clause 3 b) above will be reviewed.

HC-D1 VACANT BUILDINGS IN SETTLEMENTS
1. Exceptionally, Principal Residence market housing may be permitted through the change of use or redevelopment of an existing Vacant Building where:
a) the proposal accords with Policy HC-S1 clause 3 b) and 4;
b) sufficient evidence is provided to demonstrate that the building can be considered to be Vacant through meeting the following tests:
i) it is not abandoned;
ii) it has been unoccupied, without content and has been marketed for a minimum of 3 years;
iii) it is not an agricultural building or previously developed land without a building;
iv) it can be demonstrated that the building has not been made vacant for the sole purpose of re-development and there has been no intent to leave the building empty or cause it to become empty in order to circumvent affordable housing requirements. Extant or recently expired planning permissions applying to the building for the same or similar development will be taken into account in considering proposals;
v) the building is within a Local Service Centre or Village; and
vi) clear and robust evidence demonstrates that no affordable housing can be provided on site or as part of the development for viability reasons. In such cases, provision for a commuted sum towards local need affordable housing in the National Park will be sought commensurate with an agreed and robust viability assessment.
2. Proposals for the change of use of a Vacant Building to Principal Residence market housing will only be permitted where:
a) the existing building is able to accommodate two or more dwelling units of 93sqm floorspace in size (HC-D2);
b) the existing building(s) is considered to be worthy of conservation and it does not have an adverse impact on the character and visual amenity of the area; and
c) they will accord with CE-S5.
3.  Proposals for the redevelopment of a Vacant Building for Principal Residence market housing will only be permitted where:
a) the existing building is not a traditional building, is not listed or considered to be of historic or architectural importance worthy of conservation and it has an adverse impact on the character and visual amenity of the area;
b) the redevelopment proposal will achieve demonstrable environmental enhancement of the building and its locality; and
c) the gross floorspace of the Principal Residence housing achieved will be no greater than the existing gross floorspace of the existing Vacant Building(s). Housing which would exceed the gross floorspace will be required to meet an identified local affordable need in accordance with Plan policies.

HC-S2 A BALANCED LOCAL HOUSING STOCK
1. Having regard to the existing housing stock in the locality, all new residential development will contribute towards the creation of sustainable, balanced and inclusive Exmoor communities by ensuring a mix of dwellings (in terms of size, type and tenure), that will meet the needs of present and future generations.
2. New housing will offer a good standard of accommodation by being constructed to be neither too large nor too small.
3. All new build housing developments will be encouraged to be constructed in accordance with Building Regulations Requirement M4(2) for accessible and adaptable dwellings or successor regulations. In new build developments of 5 or more dwellings, a minimum of 20% will be required to meet this standard.
4. Wheelchair user dwellings will be encouraged to be constructed in accordance with Building Regulations Requirement M4(3) (or successor regulations) and will be encouraged where a specific local need for a wheelchair adaptable or accessible dwelling is identified.
5. For local need affordable dwellings permitted under HC-S1 and HC-D2, or HC-D3, HC-D6, or HC-D7, the dwelling(s) will be affordable by size and type to local people and will remain so in perpetuity.
6. For local need affordable dwellings, including custom/self-build (HC-D6), accessible and adaptable housing for Exmoor’s communities (HC-D4), and Extended Family dwellings (HC-D5), the gross internal area will be 93 square metres or less.
7. For local need affordable housing controlled through a Registered Provider, a gross internal area greater than 93 square metres may be permitted only where there is a proven need for a larger dwelling.
8. Where permission is granted for:
a) dwellings of up to 93sqm, a condition will be attached removing permitted development rights in respect of extensions, or
b) dwellings created through subdivisions (HC-D14) (including those up to 93sqm) a condition may be attached removing permitted development rights in respect of extensions.
9. Where permission is granted for employment uses as part of a proposal, a condition may be attached tying the occupation of the dwelling to the operation of the business space.

HC-S3 LOCAL OCCUPANCY CRITERIA FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
1. New local need affordable housing will be occupied by a person(s) (and their dependents) with a proven housing need who cannot afford (to rent or buy) accommodation in the locality and who meets one or more of the following definitions:
a) has a minimum period of 10 years’ permanent residence in the parish or an adjoining parish and who is forming an independent household or is currently homeless or living in otherwise unsatisfactory accommodation;
b) has a minimum period of a total of 10 years’ permanent residence within parishes within the National Park and who can demonstrate a clear link with a parish or its adjoining parish and is forming an independent household or is currently homeless or living in otherwise unsatisfactory accommodation;
c) is not now resident in the parish or an adjoining parish but with a local connection with the parish including a period of permanent residence of 10 years or more within the last 30 years;
d) has an essential need to live close to another person who has a minimum of 10 years permanent and continuous residence in the parish or an adjoining parish, the essential need arising from proven age or medical reasons; or
e) i) carries out paid work which is of value to the National Park and its communities; and
ii) needs to live in the parish or adjoining parish in order to carry out that work effectively.
2. A planning obligation will be secured to ensure that occupancy of the dwelling(s) is confined to persons in local affordable housing need in perpetuity.
3. The definition of local affordable need shall initially be based on criterion 1 above. Where there are no local people meeting criterion 1 and properties are vacant, a cascade approach will apply and the planning obligation will allow the dwelling to be occupied by:
a) other local persons with a minimum period of 5 years permanent and continuous residence in the parish or an adjoining parish;
b) where there is no-one meeting the 5-year residency qualification, other local persons with strong local ties living in the relevant district council area of the National Park; and
c) where there is no-one living in the relevant district council area of the National Park, other local persons with strong local ties living in the National Park as a whole.
4. For privately owned dwellings, the planning obligation will ensure that the occupancy cascade will not go wider than the National Park area unless for those subsequent occupants who qualify under clauses 1(c), 1(d) or 1(e) above; or
5. For dwelling(s) owned or controlled by a registered provider (including housing associations) the planning obligation will ensure that the dwelling may be occupied by other local persons with strong local ties to the remaining District Council area outside the National Park.

HC-S4 PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE HOUSING
1. Any new market housing development will be Principal Residence housing and will only be permitted, through the change of use of non-residential buildings to housing in settlements, and/or where it is required to enable the delivery of affordable housing to meet local needs in accordance with policy HC-S1 Housing, clause 3 a) or b) and in accordance with:
a) HC-D2 Conversions to Dwellings in Settlements;
b) HC-D3 New Build Dwellings in Settlements;
c) HC-D4 Accessible and Adaptable Housing for Exmoor’s Communities
d) RT-D3 Safeguarding Serviced Accommodation; or
e) HC-D14 Subdivision of Existing Dwellings.
2. Where permission is granted for a Principal Residence market dwelling, a condition will be attached to ensure that the occupancy of the dwelling(s) is confined to a person’s sole or principal residence.

HC-D2 CONVERSIONS TO DWELLINGS IN SETTLEMENTS
1. Within the named settlements, the change of use of a non-residential building(s) to a dwelling(s) will be permitted where the building is well related to existing buildings, the proposal conserves or enhances the character of the settlement and accords with CES5 and where:
a) there is a proven local need for the dwelling(s) which will meet an affordable local need, and the intended occupants meet the requirements of the local need occupancy criteria in perpetuity in accordance with HC-S3; and
b) the dwelling(s) will be affordable by size and type to local people and will remain so in perpetuity in accordance with HC-S2.
2. The intention will remain the provision of 100% affordable housing to meet an identified local need and the change of use of a non-residential building to residential will address an identified local affordable need. Where the building is able to accommodate more than one dwelling unit, and an element of Principal Residence housing is proposed, the following tests will also apply:
a) it is clearly and robustly demonstrated that an element of Principal Residence market housing (HC-S4) is required to enable delivery of local need affordable housing (HC-S3) which cannot be made financially viable without it;
b) it is within a named settlement (GP3);
c) it is the minimum number of Principal Residence market dwellings required to support the delivery of the required affordable housing and will maximise the proportion of affordable homes within viability constraints;
d) in terms of size and type, the affordable housing and mix of Principal Residence market housing is in accordance with Policy HC-S2;
e) the affordable housing and Principal Residence market housing will be indistinguishable and will be fully integrated on the development site; and
f) the affordable housing will be provided broadly in-step with the Principal Residence housing as development progresses; unless
g) the building is in a Local Service Centre or Village, it is accepted to be Vacant and proposed Principal Residence housing through the change of use of a Vacant Building(s) accords with HC-S1 clauses 3b) and 4 and Policy HC-D1.
3. The National Park Authority will ensure that, whether through a single permission or incremental permissions, the number of affordable dwellings created is that which would have been required if the scheme had been constructed as a single development having regard to the planning unit and previous permissions since the adoption of the March 2005 Local Plan. In the case of the creation of one or more dwellings from a single previous planning unit (whether at once or over a period of time), the development should contribute the maximum number of local need affordable homes consistent with this policy.
4. Where there is reason to believe that the proposal is formulated with a view to circumventing or mitigating affordable housing requirements, including where the National Park Authority considers that a building is able to accommodate more than one dwelling unit, its capacity will be re-calculated.
5. Where a scheme would provide more affordable homes than are needed in the parish and the adjacent parishes now and in the near future, a financial contribution will be required towards affordable housing needed elsewhere in the National Park in accordance with Policy GP5.
6. Proposals for accessible and adaptable housing will be permitted where they accord with HC-S1.

HC-D3 NEW BUILD DWELLINGS IN SETTLEMENTS
1. New build housing development will be permitted in named settlements where the site is well related to existing buildings and any development would conserve or enhance the character of the traditional settlement pattern and the character and appearance of the site and its surroundings and
a) it will meet an affordable local need and there is a proven local need for the dwelling(s) that cannot be met within the existing housing stock, or from sites/buildings already with planning permission;
b) the intended occupants meet the local need occupancy criteria requirements in accordance with HC-S3; and
c) the dwelling(s) will be affordable by size and type to local people and will remain so in perpetuity in accordance with HC-S2.
2. All new build housing must address an identified local need and be affordable with occupation restricted to local people in perpetuity unless, in the named Local Service Centres and Villages, for reasons of financial viability, it can be clearly and robustly demonstrated that:
a) An element of Principal Residence market housing (HC-S4) is required to enable delivery of more than one unit of local need affordable housing which cannot be made financially viable without it. The intention will remain the provision of 100% affordable housing to meet an identified local need.
b) It is the minimum number of Principal Residence houses required to support the delivery of the required affordable housing.
c) In terms of size and type, the affordable housing and mix of Principal Residence market housing is in accordance with HC-S2;
i) the affordable housing and Principal Residence housing are indistinguishable and fully integrated on the development site; and
ii) the affordable housing will be provided broadly in-step with the Principal Residence housing as development progresses; unless
iii) the building is in a Local Service Centre or Village, is accepted to be Vacant and proposed Principal Residence housing through the redevelopment of a Vacant Building(s) will be in accordance with HC-S1 clauses 3b) and 4 and Policy HC-D1.
d) Proposals for accessible and adaptable housing will be permitted where they accord with HC-S1.
3. Where permission is granted for local need or accessible and adaptable housing of up to 93sqm floorspace, a condition will be attached removing permitted development rights in accordance with HC-S2.

HC-D4 ACCESSIBLE AND ADAPTABLE HOUSING FOR EXMOOR’S COMMUNITIES
1. Proposals for accessible and adaptable homes for older people and/or other vulnerable members of the community who have an established local connection, and require homes that can be adapted to meet their needs over their lifetime, will be encouraged.
2. Proposals will be permitted where:
a) they are in accordance with clause 2 of HC-S1, and with HC-D2 or HC-D3 as appropriate.
b) the dwelling size accords with HC-S2;
c) they will be integrated into the local community to enable access to required services and facilities;
d) they are constructed in accordance with Building Regulations Requirement M4(2) (accessible and adaptable dwellings) or M4(3) (wheelchair user dwellings) regulations and they accord with Policy HC-S2, clauses 3 or 4 as appropriate; and
e) adaptation or conversion work accords with CE-S5.
3. A planning obligation will be secured to ensure that the occupancy of accessible and adaptable housing is confined in perpetuity to a local person (and their dependents) who has a minimum period of a total of 10 years permanent residence within parishes in the National Park and where permission is granted, a Principal Residence occupancy condition will be attached in accordance with HC-S4.
4. Where permission is granted a condition will be attached removing permitted development rights in accordance with HC-S2.
5. The provision of specialist accommodation offering care and assistance through a residential institution, should be in accordance with HC-S7.

HC-D5 EXTENDED FAMILY DWELLINGS CRITERIA
1. An Extended Family dwelling will only be permitted through the change of use of an existing traditional building in accordance with CE-S5 Principles for the Conversion or Structural Alteration of Existing Buildings, and in close association with an existing dwelling:
a) in settlements within the curtilage of an existing dwelling; or
b) a farmstead within an existing group of buildings.
2. The dwelling size will be in accordance with HC-S2 A Balanced Local Housing Stock.
3. Extended Family dwellings will be occupied by a person(s) (and their dependents) who can demonstrate that:
a) the occupier of the associated existing dwelling or the new dwelling has a minimum period of 10 years or more in the last 30 years permanent and continuous residence in the parish or an adjoining parish; and
b) they are immediate family by virtue of being a direct descendent or antecedent of the permanent occupier of the associated existing dwelling; or
c) exceptionally, they are a dependent relative who has an essential need to live close to another person, the need arising from age, family or medical reasons.
4. A planning obligation will be secured to ensure that the intended occupants meet the requirements of the Extended Family occupation in this policy and to tie the dwelling(s) to the main house to ensure that they are not sold off separately.
5. The variation of a planning obligation which restricts the occupancy of an Extended Family dwelling as set out in this policy will only be permitted where the occupancy of the dwelling is limited by agreement to local persons as defined in HC-S1 Housing, and HC-S3 Local Occupancy Criteria for Affordable Housing, or as a holiday let where the proposal is in accordance with HC-D13 Replacement of Holiday Occupancy Conditions and Extended Family Ties.
6. Where permission is granted a condition will be attached removing permitted development rights in accordance with HC-S2 A Balanced Local Housing Stock.

HC-D6 CUSTOM/SELF BUILD LOCAL NEED HOUSING
1. Exceptionally, new build including custom/self-build housing will be permitted where:
a) it is in a named settlement or in a rural community in the open countryside (proposals in a named settlement will be determined in accordance with HC-D2 Conversions to Dwellings in Settlements, or HC-D3 New Build Dwellings in Settlements, as appropriate);
b) the site is well related to existing buildings, any development is proportionate in scale and it would conserve or enhance the traditional pattern of the rural community, landscape character and the appearance of the site and its surroundings;
c) there is a proven local need for the dwelling(s) which will meet an affordable local need, and the intended occupants meet the requirements of the local need occupancy criteria which will be secured in perpetuity through a planning obligation in accordance with HC-S3 Local Occupancy Criteria for Affordable Housing; and
d) the dwelling(s) will be affordable by size and type to local people and will remain so in perpetuity in accordance with HC-S2 A Balanced Local Housing Stock.
2. Where permission is granted, a condition will be attached removing permitted development rights in respect of extensions in accordance with HC-S2 A Balanced Local Housing Stock.
3. In rural communities, housing schemes that require cross subsidy through Principal Residence housing or accessible and adaptable housing (HC-D4 Accessible and Adaptable Housing for Exmoor’s Communities) whether new build or through the change of use of existing non-residential buildings will not be permitted.

HC-D7 CONVERSIONS TO DWELLINGS IN THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE
1. In the open countryside the change of use of a non-residential building(s) to a dwelling(s) will be permitted where:
a) the need for the dwelling(s) cannot be met within the existing housing stock, from sites/buildings already with planning permission or through the acceptable extension and/or subdivision of an existing dwelling; and
b) it is in accordance with CE-S5 Principles for the Conversion or Structural Alteration of Existing Buildings; and
c) in the case of local need accommodation, the building is located in a hamlet or farmstead where there is an existing dwelling. The intended occupants will meet the local need criteria in HC-S3 Local Occupancy Criteria for Affordable Housing, and a planning obligation will be secured to ensure that occupancy of the dwelling(s) is confined to persons in local housing need in perpetuity; or
d) in the case of Extended Family accommodation, the building is located in a farmstead within an existing group of buildings, in close association with an existing dwelling and the proposal otherwise accords with HC-D5 Extended Family Dwellings Criteria; or
e) in the case of a rural worker or Succession Farm dwelling, the building is well related to existing buildings on the holding. The occupancy of a rural worker dwelling will be limited to a person(s) able to demonstrate a proven essential need for the accommodation in accordance with HC-D9 Rural Workers or, for a Succession Farm dwelling, the occupancy requirements in HC-D10 Succession Farming – Second Dwellings on Established Farms.
2. In the case of buildings within an existing agricultural or other primary business responsible for land management, a change of use will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that the agricultural use of the existing building(s) to be reused is redundant.
3. Where permission is granted a condition will be attached removing permitted development rights in respect of extensions in accordance with HC-S2 A Balanced Local Housing Stock, and in respect of alterations in accordance with CE-S5 Principles for the Conversion or Structural Alteration of Existing Buildings.

HC-D8 NEW BUILD DWELLINGS IN THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE
1. New dwelling(s) in the open countryside will only be permitted where:
a) the accommodation is designed to meet a proven need for a rural worker in accordance with HC-D9 or Succession Farm worker in accordance with HC-D10 that cannot be met:
i. within the existing housing stock including through the subdivision of an existing dwelling, from sites/buildings already with planning permission; or
ii. through the provision of a temporary residential caravan in accordance with HC-D11 Residential Caravans; or
iii. the conversion/change of use of an existing building in accordance with CE-S5 Principles for the Conversion or Structural Alteration of Existing Buildings, and HC-D7 Conversions to Dwellings in the Open Countryside;
b) the dwelling is well related to existing buildings on the holding such that the dwelling and farm buildings operate as a single entity; and
c) the design and layout of the development meet the requirements of CE-S6 Design and Sustainable Construction Principles, and the size will accord with HC-D9 Rural Workers, or HC-D10 Succession Farming – Second Dwellings on Established Farms, as appropriate.
2. Where permission is granted a condition will be attached removing permitted development rights in respect of extensions.
3. Where permission is granted for a new dwelling on an agricultural or forestry holding that has an existing dwelling(s) under the control of the applicant which needs to be used in connection with the enterprise, a condition will be attached to ensure that the occupancy of any existing dwelling(s) is also limited to persons able to demonstrate a proven essential need for that accommodation.

HC-D9 RURAL WORKERS
1. New housing to meet the needs of rural workers in the open countryside will only be permitted in accordance with HC-D7 Conversions to Dwellings in the Open Countryside, or HC-D8 New Build Dwellings in the Open Countryside, and where:
a) it is justified by a proven essential functional need for a full time rural worker in agriculture, forestry or other rural land based enterprises to live permanently at or near their place of work;
b) in the case of agriculture or other rural land based enterprises, the business is proven to be financially viable in the long term, it is extensive in nature, the land management activity contributes to the conservation or enhancement of the natural beauty and wildlife of the National Park and is in accordance with the tests set out in Annex 2 of this Plan;
c) where the need for a dwelling is proven, a planning condition will be attached to ensure that occupancy of the dwelling(s) is confined to a rural worker in agriculture, forestry or another rural land based enterprise operating in the locality; and
d) the gross internal area will be 93sqm or less unless it is demonstrated that a larger dwelling is required in which case, the size of the dwelling will be commensurate with the needs of the holding, it can be sustained by the farm business and it would be affordable for the essential need in perpetuity.

HC-D10 SUCCESSION FARMING - SECOND DWELLINGS ON ESTABLISHED FARMS
1. New housing to meet the needs of succession farmers in the open countryside will be in accordance with HC-D7 Conversions to Dwellings in the Open Countryside, or HC-D8 New Build Dwellings in the Open Countryside. A new second dwelling on a single farm holding within the open countryside will only be permitted where:
a) the accommodation is designed to meet an existing proven functional need for an additional 0.5 or more of a full time agricultural worker to live permanently at their place of work on an established enterprise;
b) the business is proven to be financially viable in the long term, it is extensive in nature and where the farming activity contributes to the conservation or enhancement of the natural beauty and wildlife of the National Park and is in accordance with the tests set out in Annex 2 of this Plan;
c) a planning obligation will require that there are secure and legally binding arrangements in place to demonstrate that:
i) the farm business is jointly held; or
ii) management of the farm business has been transferred to a person younger than the person currently responsible for management; or
iii) transfer of management will take place on planning permission being granted for the dwelling;
d) the need cannot be met in any other way including through the re-organisation of labour responsibilities;
e) the design and layout of the development meet the requirements of Policy CE-S6 Design and Sustainable Construction Principles;
f) the gross internal area will be 93sqm or less unless, exceptionally, it is demonstrated that a larger dwelling is required, in which case the size of the dwelling will be commensurate with the needs of the holding, and that it can be sustained by the farm business in perpetuity; and
g) a planning condition is attached to ensure that occupancy of the dwelling(s) is confined to rural workers in accordance with Policy HC-D9 Rural Workers.
2. The policy will apply only to a single additional succession farm dwelling to be attached to an established farm after adoption of this Plan. Permission will not be granted for subsequent succession farm dwellings on the holding.

HC-D11 RESIDENTIAL CARAVANS
1. The siting of residential caravans, mobile homes or other temporary structures for use as permanent residential accommodation in the open countryside will not be permitted.
2. Permission will only be granted on a temporary basis where specific circumstances apply in relation to a proven essential need for a rural worker for the caravan in accordance with tests set out in policy HC-D9 Rural Workers and where it is demonstrated that:
a) there is a clear intention to develop the rural land-based business;
b) the functional need could not be met by an existing dwelling on site or within the local area;
c) the structure, including access and parking arrangements, can be easily accommodated without adversely impacting on landscape character, visual amenity, sensitive habitats and wildlife species; and
d) the site is not located in an area at risk of flooding.
3. Planning conditions will be attached to a planning permission or an obligation secured, to ensure that any permissions:
a) are for a time-limited period only;
b) are confined to persons and their dependents able to demonstrate the essential need for the accommodation; and
c) clearly state that when the time period for the accommodation expires, the temporary residential structure shall be removed from the site and the land restored to its former condition within a specified period.

HC-D12 REPLACEMENT OF RURAL WORKERS OCCUPANCY CONDITIONS
1. Proposals for the alteration of a condition, or variation of a planning obligation, which restricts the occupancy of a dwelling to a person employed or last employed in agriculture or forestry (permitted prior to the adoption of the Local Plan) to include the occupancy of a dwelling by a rural worker employed in the locality will be permitted where the need has become redundant on that holding.
2. The removal of a condition, or variation of a planning obligation, which limits the occupancy of a dwelling to a person employed or last employed in agriculture or forestry (prior to the adoption of the Local Plan), for a rural worker as identified in policy HC-D9, or for succession farming as identified in policy HC-D10, will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that:
a) reasonable attempts have been made to allow the dwelling to be used by a person who could occupy it in accordance with the condition or obligation; and
b) the long term need for the dwelling in the locality, in accordance with the condition or obligation, has ceased and removing the condition would be more appropriate than a temporary relaxation.
3. Where, permission is granted for the removal of the occupancy condition or variation of a planning condition identified in clause 2, the occupancy of the dwelling will be limited by agreement to a person(s) in local affordable housing need as defined in policy HC-S3 Local Occupancy Criteria for Affordable Housing.
4. Where a local person cannot be found to occupy the dwelling, temporary permission will be given, on a personal basis, to let the dwelling for non-serviced accommodation until such time as a rural worker or a local affordable housing need arises. A holiday occupancy condition will be attached to any temporary permission granted.

HC-D13 REPLACEMENT OF HOLIDAY OCCUPANCY CONDITIONS AND EXTENDED FAMILY OCCUPANCY TIES
1. Permission will be granted for the replacement of a holiday occupancy condition with an agreement limiting occupancy to:
a) local persons in affordable housing need where the occupants meet the requirements of policy HC-S3 Local Occupancy Criteria for Affordable Housing; or
b) persons meeting the requirements of Extended Family accommodation in accordance with policy HC-D5 Extended Family Dwelling Criteria.
2. In accordance with clause 1 it should be demonstrated that:
a) there is a local need for the accommodation; and
b) the building is capable of being permanently occupied without the need for any major reconstruction, extension or alteration that could be harmful to the character of the building or the amenity of neighbouring properties; and
c) sufficient curtilage space can be provided without harming the setting of the building or surrounding landscape character.
3. For residential units where occupancy is restricted to Extended Family accommodation (HC-D5) permission will be granted for the replacement of the occupancy tie to:
a) local persons in affordable housing need where the occupants meet the requirements of policy HC-S3 Local Occupancy Criteria for Affordable Housing; or
b) occupancy as a holiday let in accordance with policy RT-D4 Non Serviced Accommodation.

HC-D14 SUBDIVISION OF EXISTING DWELLINGS
1. Proposals for the subdivision of existing residential dwellings will be permitted where:
a) there would be no adverse impact on the character of the area, amenity of neighbouring occupiers, or highway safety;
b) any necessary alterations will not adversely affect buildings of historic and/or architectural merit (CE-S4 Cultural Heritage and Historic Environment, CE-D3 Conserving Heritage Assets); and
c) any additional units created will be Principal Residence housing and subject to a condition limiting occupancy to a person as their only or principal home (HC-S4 Principal Residence Housing).
2. Where a property has a local affordable occupancy tie, any subdivision would require that the new unit(s) created would retain the same occupancy restriction.
3. Proposals to subdivide a dwelling with a rural worker or succession farming occupancy tie will only be permitted where:
a) the additional unit(s) created will be occupied in accordance with HC-S3 Local Occupancy Criteria for Affordable Housing; or
b) the additional unit(s) created will be occupied in accordance with the requirements for HC-D9 Rural Workers Dwelling or HC-D10 Succession Farming – Second Dwellings on Established Farms.
4. Where permission is granted a condition may be attached removing permitted development rights in accordance with HC-S2 A Balanced Local Housing Stock.

HC-D15 RESIDENTIAL EXTENSIONS
1. Proposals for residential extensions will be permitted where they:
a) accord with the principles set out in CE-S6 Design and Sustainable Construction Principles and CE-D4 Extensions;
b) ensure there is sufficient space within the existing curtilage to accommodate the extension without resulting in overdevelopment of the site or adversely impacting on residential amenity space and parking provision;
c) are not disproportionate to the original dwelling and in any case do not increase the external floorspace of the original dwelling by more than 35% (taking into account any extensions provided through permitted development rights); and
d) ensure the maintenance or replacement of any bat and barn owl roosts that may be present.
2. Residential extensions will not be permitted for temporary dwellings.
3. Extensions to residential curtilages will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that it will not adversely affect visual amenity, the setting of the residential building, and the surrounding landscape, biodiversity and/or settlement character of the area.

HC-D16 OUTBUILDINGS
1. Proposals for ancillary outbuildings within the domestic curtilage of a dwelling will be permitted where:
a) in terms of scale and massing they are proportionate to the dwelling they are to serve;
b) there is no unacceptable adverse impact on the character, appearance or setting of the existing dwelling, the surrounding landscape, or the amenity of neighbouring occupiers by reason of their siting and design in accordance with policy CE-S6 Design and Sustainable Construction Principles;
c) in the case of the conversion of an existing building, the character and appearance of the building is conserved in accordance with policy CE-S5 Principles for the Conversion or Structural Alteration of Existing Buildings; and
d) private amenity space around the dwelling will not be reduced to an unacceptable level.
2. Any element of the proposal that pertains to primary living accommodation should accord with the requirements of policy HC-D15 Residential Extensions.

HC-D17 REPLACEMENT DWELLINGS
1. Proposals for the erection of a replacement dwelling will be permitted where the existing dwelling:
a) is not listed or considered to be of historic or architectural importance worthy of conservation;
b) has an adverse impact on the character and visual amenity of the area; and
c) the residential use has not been abandoned.
2. The proposed replacement dwelling should:
a) be sited on or close to the footprint of the existing dwelling, unless alternative siting would provide benefits for landscape, wildlife or cultural heritage;
b) be no larger in size than the original dwelling or 93 square metres gross internal area, whichever is the larger;
c) reflect the massing and scale of the original dwelling; and
d) accord with the design and sustainable construction requirements of policy CE-S6.
3. Where permission is granted, conditions will be attached to:
a) remove permitted development rights granted by the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 in respect of extensions on dwellings of less than 93 square metres to ensure they do not exceed this size; and
b) ensure that the existing dwelling is demolished and removed from the site prior to or within 3 months of the replacement dwelling first being occupied.

HC-S5 TRAVELLING COMMUNITIES
1. To ensure that the travelling communities’ traditional and nomadic way of life is recognised, where an identified need for caravans or mobile homes for travelling communities can be demonstrated, the National Park Authority will work with the relevant housing authorities to appropriately address that need. Exceptionally, small sites may be permitted where:
a) there is a proven local need for a site to accommodate the affordable need of travelling communities who have a proven local connection through employment, longstanding residency or family, in the parish or adjoining parish;
b) there are no suitable sites that can meet the need outside the National Park boundary;
c) the site will respect the principles of sustainable development, be located in a named settlement in accordance with GP3 Spatial Strategy, be well-related to existing buildings, conserve or enhance the settlement character and pattern, and be accessible to appropriate health and educational facilities;
d) the application is accompanied by a landscaping scheme that secures effective screening of the caravans or mobile homes;
e) there are no impacts on sensitive habitats and wildlife that cannot be mitigated for;
f) the interests of the settled community will be respected and not result in undue pressure on local infrastructure and services; and
g) a planning obligation will be secured to ensure the site will be affordable to local travelling communities and will remain so in perpetuity.

HC-S6 LOCAL COMMERCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES
1. The National Park Authority will work with constituent local authorities, parish and town councils and communities to ensure that Exmoor’s communities are sustained, the economy strengthened, and the needs of visitors addressed.
2. The provision of new or extended local commercial services and community facilities will be supported where it can be demonstrated that they:
a) will benefit the local resident community and the needs of visitors; and
b) are of a scale and location appropriate to the community they serve.
3. For new developments or extensions to existing premises, preference will first be given to the reuse of existing traditional buildings (CE-S5 Principles for the Conversion or Structural Alteration of Existing Buildings). The
re-use of non-traditional buildings (CE-S5), will be considered if enhancement of the built and natural environment can be achieved.
4. New build developments should be located within the named settlements or, for community facilities where no suitable site exists, should be well-related to these settlements. Proposals specifically for new build and ancillary local commercial services should be in accordance with policy HC-D18 Local Commercial Service Provision.
5. Proposals enabling the enhancement of existing services and facilities, or the flexible use of new or existing buildings to allow a range of community services or facilities to take place on site will be encouraged – where this applies to an existing service the sharing of facilities should support the retention of the primary use.
6. The provision of publicly accessible green space within or adjoining the named settlements will be supported.
7. Local commercial services and community facilities will be safeguarded in accordance with policy HC-D19 Safeguarding Local Services and Community Facilities.
8. Important visual amenity space identified within and adjoining the settlements will be protected in accordance with policy HC-D20 Important Visual Amenity Space.

HC-D18 LOCAL COMMERCIAL SERVICE PROVISION
1. Proposals for new build, extensions or change of use of buildings for local commercial service provision within the named settlements will be permitted where:
a) the proposed location contributes to the overall vitality of the settlement and the local economy;
b) they will not adversely affect the locality, National Park, or the amenity of nearby residents as a result of traffic or parking (AC-D1 Transport and Accessibility Requirements for Development); and
c) if required by the National Park Authority, an impact assessment has been submitted, the scope of which has been agreed prior to submission.
2. Proposals for new local commercial service provision in the open countryside, through the reuse of existing buildings, will only be permitted in accordance with SE-S3 Business Development in the Open Countryside, and where:
a) they are small scale ancillary retail development/operations principally offering for sale goods which are produced at the premises; or
b) they principally comprise the sale of crafts and goods made on site, or shops and/or cafés which are ancillary to farms, visitor facilities, or camping and caravan sites; and
c) they will not have adverse impacts on adjoining land uses; and
d) it can be demonstrated that they will not adversely affect service provision in nearby settlements.
3. Extensions to existing local commercial services will be permitted in accordance with policy CE-D4 Extensions to Buildings.

HC-D19 SAFEGUARDING LOCAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES
1. Proposals to change the use of a local commercial service or non-commercial community facility will not be permitted unless it can be clearly demonstrated that:
a) there is no longer a need for the specific service or facility by the community, including over the longer term; and
b) a need for other permitted uses or other services and facilities has been explored and is not required; or
c) a replacement service or facility accessible to the local community of at least equivalent standard is provided; or
d) in the case of local commercial services, they cannot be continued and made viable over the longer term.
2. In the case of publicly funded/non-commercial services, including schools and libraries, tests 1 a), b) or c) will apply. Where the tests for a change of use set out in clauses 1 a), b) or c) are met, favourable consideration will be given to changes of use which benefit the community and the local economy consistent with policies in this Plan.
3. In respect of 1 c), planning conditions or obligations will be used to ensure that the replacement provision is secured at an appropriate time in relation to the redevelopment of the site/building.
4. In Local Service Centres changes of use from an existing local commercial service in the A use class to another commercial service in the A use class will be permitted, providing they will have an acceptable impact on neighbouring uses.
5. In respect of 1 d) proposals for the change of use of local commercial services and facilities (other than proposals relating to clause 4), will need to provide detailed evidence to demonstrate that:
a) all available opportunities of grant funding and financial support to help retain the service or facility on the premises have been fully explored;
b) diversification is not suitable or viable;
c) opportunities for community/voluntary not-for-profit service provision have been investigated; and
d) realistic marketing of the site or premises at a reasonable value for the current permitted use class for a minimum period of 12 consecutive months has occurred.
6. Where the case for a change of use is accepted:
a) favourable consideration will be given to ‘A’ ‘D1’ or ‘D2’ uses before
b) other compatible employment uses (B1a) may be considered, or otherwise
c) where it can be demonstrated that the change of use to A, D1, D2 or B1a uses or another community use are not possible, a change of use to housing in accordance with policies HC-D2 Conversions to Dwellings in Settlements or HC-D7 Conversions to Dwellings in the Open Countryside may be permitted.

HC-D20 IMPORTANT VISUAL AMENITY SPACE
Development proposals will not be permitted where they cause harm or detriment to the visual amenity value of those areas of important visual amenity space identified on the Settlement Inset Maps and their relationship to settlement character, the surrounding landscape or the cultural/historic traditions of individual settlements.

HC-S7 RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONS
1. Proposals for new residential institutions will be supported where they meet the following principles:
a) they re-use existing buildings without the need for significant extension and accord with policy CE-S5 Principles for the Conversion or Structural Alteration of Existing Buildings;
b) they seek to mitigate climate change effects and adapt to its impacts, including avoiding areas at risk of flooding;
c) the design and layout of access and parking requirements are compatible with landscape character and built heritage;
d) traffic generation can be accommodated by the local road network without adversely affecting road safety and capacity - if it is considered that the proposal would have significant transport implications a transport assessment or statement will be required; and
e) the use does not compromise local amenity.
2. Regard should be had to location and the level of services and facilities that may be required to support the proposed use.
3. Proposals which encourage the understanding and enjoyment of the National Park and its special qualities will be encouraged.
4. Small scale extensions to existing residential institutions will be permitted where they accord with policy CE-D4 Extensions to Buildings.

SE-S1 A SUSTAINABLE EXMOOR ECONOMY
1. In order to strengthen, enhance and diversify the Exmoor economy, business and employment development will be encouraged.
2. Proposals for business development, including extensions and/or the growth and intensification of existing businesses, should demonstrate they will not have an unacceptable adverse impact including in terms of their operations, activity, and scale, on local amenity, landscape character, cultural heritage, sensitive habitats and wildlife.
3. Opportunities for home working and home based employment will be encouraged in accordance with policy SE-D1 Home Based Businesses.
4. Existing employment land and buildings will be safeguarded in accordance with policy SE-D2 Safeguarding Existing Employment Land and Buildings.

SE-S2 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN SETTLEMENTS
1. In the named settlements proposals for business development or extensions to existing businesses should accord with policy SE-S1 and be located within the settlement or where no suitable buildings/sites are available, well-related to existing buildings.
2. Proposals will be permitted where:
a) they reuse existing traditional buildings wherever possible, in a way that maintains and/or enhances their character; or
b) where no suitable traditional buildings are available they reuse non-traditional buildings, or previously developed sites and enhancement of the built environment is incorporated into proposals where necessary to deliver an overall acceptable scheme; or
c) where this cannot be achieved a new site/building may be permitted.
3. In addition to clause 1, any proposals for new build development in Porlock Weir, other than extensions to existing premises, should be:
a) small-scale to reflect the form and character of the settlement; and
b) compatible with industries associated with the settlement.
4. Where permission is granted for new B1 uses a condition will be attached to remove permitted development rights in respect of temporary changes of use, use as a state funded school, or a registered nursery.

SE-S3 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN THE OPEN COUNTRYSIDE
1. Business development will be permitted for the change of use and conversion of an existing traditional building that is well-related to an existing group of buildings on a farmstead or in a hamlet where there is an existing dwelling, in accordance with policies SE-S1 and CE-S5.
2. Proposals for extensions to existing business sites or buildings that are well-related to an existing group of buildings on a farmstead or in a hamlet where there is an existing dwelling will be permitted in accordance with SE-S1 and where the scale and appearance of the development are compatible with local landscape character.
3. Additionally, proposals for the diversification of existing agricultural, or other primary businesses responsible for land management, through the re-use/change of use of an existing non-traditional building for business development may be permitted where the following will be achieved:
a) they are well-related to an existing group of buildings on the farmstead and accord with policy CE-S5;
b) the proposed business development supports an existing agricultural or other primary business responsible for land management and does not conflict with the existing farming or land management activity;
c) where proposals relate to the change of use of an existing building from an agricultural use to a business use (use classes B1, B2, B8 or sui generis), a condition will be attached to the permission to enable the building to be used for the purposes of agriculture or the permitted business use; and
d) a condition will be attached removing permitted development rights for the erection of new farm buildings on the holding.
4. The erection of new business premises in the open countryside will only be permitted for the redevelopment of existing employment sites, where existing buildings are replaced with no significant increase in size, and enhancement to the site and/or its setting is incorporated into the proposals where necessary to deliver an overall acceptable scheme, which is consistent with local landscape character.
5. Business use in buildings which stand alone or which do not relate well to existing buildings and are not part of a farm group or hamlet will not be permitted.
6. Where permission is granted for new B1 uses a condition will be attached to remove permitted development rights in respect of temporary changes of use, use as a state funded school, or a registered nursery.

SE-D1 HOME BASED BUSINESSES
1. The use of part of a residential property, a small scale extension, the use of ancillary buildings where they are well related to existing buildings or, where no suitable buildings exist new outbuildings within the domestic curtilage, for a home based business will be permitted where:
a) there is no unacceptable adverse impact on the landscape or the amenity of the area or on the occupiers of neighbouring properties; and
b) where an extension is proposed the development accords with Policy HC-D15 Residential Extensions.
2. Where necessary, conditions will be attached to any granting of planning permission including to:
a) control the use to avoid or minimise any potential adverse impacts;
b) remove permitted development rights to protect the character and appearance of the building;
c) ensure any new development may only be occupied in association with the dwelling and cannot be let or disposed of separately from that dwelling; and
d) allow, where appropriate, the business use to cease and revert to an ancillary domestic use without the need for further planning permission.
3. Proposals for live-work units should be in accordance with the housing policies in this Plan and designed so the employment space can be used independently of the living accommodation.

SE-D2 SAFEGUARDING EXISTING EMPLOYMENT LAND AND BUILDINGS
1. Development proposals that would involve the loss of employment land and/or buildings will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that the site and/or buildings cannot be continued or made viable in the longer term. Applicants will be required to provide detailed evidence to justify their proposals and demonstrate that:
a) all available opportunities of grant funding and financial support to help retain the employment use(s) have been fully explored and none are viable; and
b) reasonable marketing of the site and/or building(s) for employment uses for a minimum period of 12 consecutive months has occurred.
2. If it is demonstrated that the site and/or buildings are no longer viable in employment use, the following will be required:
a) in the first instance, provision for employment-generating uses will be maintained on the remaining part of the site/in the building, or
b) alternative provision will be provided on another suitable site(s)/building(s) under the control of the applicant and in the locality or where it can be demonstrated that this is not possible, elsewhere in the National Park.
c) If it can be demonstrated that (a) or (b) are not possible, the reuse/redevelopment of the site for community uses will be favoured.
d) If it is demonstrated that the alternative uses in clauses (a) to (c) are not viable, proposals for residential development will be considered in accordance with the relevant housing policies in the Plan.
3. In respect of 2b) above, planning conditions or obligations will be used to ensure that the alternative provision is secured at an appropriate time in relation to the redevelopment of the site/building.

SE-S4 AGRICULTURAL AND FORESTRY DEVELOPMENT
1. Permission will be granted for new or replacement buildings, tracks and structures or extensions required for agriculture or forestry purposes where:
a) it can be demonstrated there is a functional need for the extension, building, structure or track and its size and scale is commensurate with the demonstrated need;
b) the building, track or structure is designed for the purposes of agriculture or forestry;
c) in the case of new buildings, the site is related physically and functionally to existing buildings associated with the business;
d) buildings, tracks or structures are sited appropriately in the context of local topography and of an appropriate design that responds to and reinforces landscape character in terms of size, scale, massing, layout, external appearance and materials – if a landscaping scheme is required it should be in accordance with policy CE-D1;
e) proposals do not generate a level of activity or otherwise detrimentally affect the amenity of surrounding properties and occupiers including through loss of daylight, overbearing appearance, or conflict with neighbouring land uses;
f) appropriate measures are taken to ensure proposals do not, including through the level of activity, have an adverse impact on biodiversity and cultural heritage (in accordance with CE-S3 and CE-S4) or cause other unacceptable environmental impacts; and
g) it can be demonstrated that opportunities have been taken for:
i) the integration of passive design and sustainable construction methods to improve energy efficiency;
ii) the integration of appropriate renewable energy technologies to reduce carbon emissions in accordance with CC-S5; and
iii) minimising surface water run-off to avoid impacts on water quality
(CC-D1).
2. New isolated buildings will not be permitted unless it can be demonstrated that there are exceptional circumstances relating to an overriding functional need for a more isolated location, and where:
a) they do not replace existing agricultural buildings that have been subdivided away from the holding; and
b) the requirement for them does not result from a change of farming practices, such that could adversely affect the management of the traditional landscape character of the National Park.
3. Where new agricultural buildings with a floorspace of 500sqm or less are granted planning consent, permitted development rights may be withdrawn in respect of agricultural buildings and any land within its curtilage to alternative uses.

RT-S1 RECREATION AND TOURISM
1. Opportunities to provide a high quality, inclusive visitor experience on Exmoor through a diverse range of recreation and tourism facilities that actively enhance the understanding and enjoyment of the National Park’s special qualities will be encouraged in accordance with the following principles:
a) They are compatible with the quiet enjoyment of the National Park.
b) There are no unacceptable adverse effects on the natural and historic environment either individually or cumulatively through levels of activity or use.
c) They contribute towards a sustainable future for Exmoor’s local economy and communities.
d) They support the improved health and wellbeing of people living, working and visiting Exmoor through the benefits of recreation and experience of tranquillity.
e) They ensure appropriate and safe access by the road network and where possible by walking, cycling, horse-riding and public transport.
f) They safeguard the existing access network, including public rights of way, and access land; and provide enhancements where opportunities arise (RT-D12).
g) They respond to opportunities to improve the quality and viability of existing recreation and tourism businesses, through appropriate restoration, extension, expansion or diversification.
h) They are of a scale compatible with their location and setting, in accordance with the relevant development management policy considerations for tourism and recreation (policies RT-D1 to RT-D12).

RT-D1 SERVICED ACCOMMODATION
1. Proposals for the provision of new serviced accommodation through the appropriate change of use and conversion of existing traditional buildings will be permitted where all of the following are met:
a) the traditional character, appearance and setting of the building or building group is conserved or enhanced;
b) the building or building group is capable of conversion to serviced accommodation and any other ancillary requirements without significant alteration or extension (CE-S5);
c) the design layout of access and parking requirements are compatible with landscape character and built heritage;
d) the intensity of use does not compromise local amenity; and
e) traffic generation can be accommodated by the local road network without adversely affecting road safety and capacity.
2. Small scale extensions which are subordinate to existing serviced accommodation will be permitted in accordance with policies CE-S6 and CE-D4 to improve the quality or capacity of the accommodation.
3. In relation to proposals that seek a change of use from a residential dwelling (use class C3) to serviced accommodation (use class C1) a condition will be attached to a permission to enable the property to be used either as C1 Hotels or C3 Dwellings.

RT-D2 STAFF ACCOMMODATION
1. Proposals for staff accommodation will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that such accommodation is not available in the locality or cannot be provided within the existing hotel, guesthouse or hostel. Where this need cannot be met, provision for staff accommodation will be permitted through:
a) the change of use and conversion of existing buildings that are within the curtilage in accordance with CE-S5; or
b) where this is not possible, a small-scale extension to the hotel or guesthouse as a self-contained annexe.
2. Staff accommodation will be tied through a condition or planning obligation to the existing premises, to ensure that it cannot be sold separately or occupied as a separate accommodation unit – other than for staff or owners.
3. Where there is evidence that the need for staff/owner accommodation is no longer required, the following uses will be considered:
a) a local occupancy tie to meet local affordable housing needs (HC-S1);
b) non-serviced holiday-let (RT-D4); or
c) extension of guest accommodation.
4. No further extension will be permitted for staff accommodation on premises where the previous staff accommodation has been lost to other uses.

RT-D3 SAFEGUARDING SERVICED ACCOMMODATION
1. Development proposals that would involve the loss of existing serviced accommodation will only be permitted where:
a) other employment uses are to be created in the existing building; or
b) the building is to become a Principal Residence dwelling (HC-S4) and evidence clearly demonstrates that:
i) the building was originally built as a single residential dwelling;
ii) there has been no excessive alteration or extension; and
iii) the existing use does not provide an additional community service or function; or
c) they accord with clauses 2 and 3 below.
2. Where clauses 1 a) and b) do not apply, proposals relating to the change of use of serviced accommodation should demonstrate that the current use of the building as serviced accommodation cannot be continued or made viable in the longer term and the property has been marketed as a going concern at a reasonable value for a minimum period of 12 months. An independent valuation of the building will be required.
3. Where it is demonstrated that the serviced accommodation is no longer viable (clause 2), proposals for change of use should be compatible with the cultural heritage of the existing building, local character, and amenity and in accordance with the following:
a) Changes that will be considered acceptable in principle include:
i) Change of use to self-catering apartments.
ii) Change of use to provide community services or facilities.
iii) A mixed use development, based on the uses listed above including employment use.
b) Proposals for the change of use to residential dwellings will only be considered where the requirements of this policy are met and clause 3(a) cannot be achieved. Proposals should accord with the tests set out in clause 2 of policy HC-D2.
c) In relation to 3 a) and b), opportunities for the partial change of use of the building or complex that supplements the existing serviced accommodation will be encouraged.

RT-D4 NON-SERVICED ACCOMMODATION
1. Proposals for the change of use and conversion of buildings to non-serviced accommodation will be permitted where they:
a) create additional unit(s) on an existing self-catering complex;
b) accord with RT-D3 Safeguarding Serviced Accommodation clause 3a);
c) reuse a redundant building associated with a hotel/guesthouse premises; or
d) relate to the diversification of a rural land-based business, where the building is well-related to an existing grouping of buildings.
2. Proposals should also meet the following principles:
a) the character and appearance of the building and its setting is conserved, and where they accord with policies on landscape character, cultural heritage and design (CE-S1, CE-S4 and CE-S6);
b) where the proposal involves the change of use of traditional farm buildings, the conversion of all such buildings within a farmstead will not be permitted in order to protect the historic character and significance of the buildings collectively (CE-S5);
c) the design and layout of access and parking requirements are compatible with landscape character and built heritage, and the local road network has capacity to service the accommodation without adversely affecting road safety; and
d) there are no adverse impacts on tranquillity and local amenity.
3. Small scale extensions and alterations will be permitted to improve the quality and viability of existing non-serviced accommodation; where it would not adversely affect the historic character of the existing building. No new build units of holiday-let accommodation will be permitted.
4. Where a non-serviced accommodation unit is no longer needed or viable, a proposal to replace the holiday occupancy condition of the unit with an agreement limiting occupancy to meet a local affordable need for housing or housing for extended families will be considered in accordance with policy HC-D13. In respect of changes to business or community use, proposals should accord with the relevant policies in the plan.

RT-D5 TENTED CAMP SITES
1. Proposals for new small-scale tented campsites will be permitted where:
a) they are well related to a named settlement, hamlet or farmstead;
b) they are sensitively sited to ensure there are no adverse impacts on landscape character, visual amenity, or sensitive wildlife species and habitats;
c) there is existing road access, and sufficient road capacity to serve the development; and
d) they are not located within an area at risk of flooding.
2. Any facilities that may be required to service the campsite should be provided through the conversion of suitable existing traditional buildings. Where such buildings are not suitable or available then the following opportunities may be sought:
a) the conversion of structurally suitable non-traditional buildings that are functionally redundant; or
b) the extension of existing buildings in accordance with the relevant policies in this plan.
3. Opportunities for small extensions to existing campsite areas will be permitted where it does not conflict with principles listed above, and where environmental benefits are included as part of the scheme.

RT-D6 CAMPING BARNS
1. Proposals for the change of use and necessary alteration of a traditional building to a camping barn or hostel accommodation will be permitted where it complements the historic character and appearance of the building, biodiversity interests, and its setting within the landscape.
2. Where the existing building is located:
a) in a farmstead or hamlet in close association with an existing dwelling, parking and access arrangements should be incorporated within the building group without detrimentally impacting on landscape character and visual amenity; or
b) in a named settlement, parking and access arrangements are consistent with policies AC-D1 and AC-S3.
3. The change of use and conversion of a traditional barn or building in an isolated location to provide basic shelter in a camping barn (stone tent) with limited facilities for walkers, will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that:
a) the building can be managed effectively without new access provision;
b) the proposal does not involve alterations to the external fabric and surroundings of the building that would materially affect the character or appearance of the building and its setting;
c) the building is well related to the rights of way network or access land; and
d) any bat and barn owl roosts that may be present are maintained or replaced.

RT-D7 CERTIFICATED CARAVAN AND TOURING CARAVAN SITES
1. New certificated caravan sites will be supported in the National Park where:
a) they are well sited and integrated in the landscape and closely related to farmsteads, hamlets or settlements, with appropriate landscape screening where necessary;
b) they are in a location where there are no adverse impacts on sensitive wildlife species and habitats;
c) access and parking requirements can be easily accommodated without adversely impacting on landscape character and the historic environment;
d) new permanent buildings, site excavation or other site improvements will not be required; and
e) they are not located in an area at risk of flooding.
2. Proposals for new touring caravan sites, outdoor caravan storage facilities, or extensions to existing touring caravan sites will not be permitted.

RT-D8 STATIC CARAVAN SITES
1. Proposals for new static caravan sites and chalet developments for the purposes of holiday accommodation, or the conversion of existing touring caravan sites for such uses, will not be permitted.
2. Development proposals to improve the quality of existing static caravan sites and chalet developments through appropriate replacement forms of holiday accommodation may be permitted where:
a) replacement holiday accommodation is of high quality sustainable design and the materials, colour, form, siting and landscaping positively relate to landscape character (sites with three or more static caravans will be expected to reduce the overall number of units/pitches);
b) there is no intensification of use or activity, and the site is retained as a single business unit;
c) the existing site area is not extended;
d) the relocation of existing pitches to less sensitive areas to provide environmental enhancement is achieved and where the number of pitches is not increased;
e) there is no increase in facilities or services required for the site; and
f) the site is not located in an area with high probability of flooding (CC-D1).
3. New timber chalet or log cabin holiday accommodation will only be permitted where they replace units on existing static caravan sites or chalet developments.

RT-D9 ALTERNATIVE CAMPING ACCOMMODATION
1. Small-scale, low impact alternative camping accommodation proposals will be permitted where:
a) they are only used for the purposes of holiday accommodation;
b) the overall development is small-scale in terms of area and number of units and will not require additional permanent residential accommodation to manage the site;
c) the net floor space of each unit is less than 25sqm and will not be connected to a foul drainage system;
d) they are of high quality sustainable design and demonstrate that the siting and landscaping strongly relate to the landscape and historic character of the area; and is appropriate to its setting (locations that are well screened by woodland or well-treed settings are preferred and should meet the tests in this policy);
e) they have low environmental impact through limited physical connection with the ground by ensuring that any hard-standing and site works are minimal to complement the natural topography and landscape character of the area; avoiding extensive alteration to ground levels and fencing;
f) the need for additional facilities is clearly demonstrated and commensurate with the level of anticipated need, are provided within an existing building or as a modest extension to existing facilities; and
g) where the need for additional parking is demonstrated, provision should reflect the minimum level of need;
i) Small-scale extensions to existing parking areas should be well designed, landscaped and integrated with the site and its setting.
ii) New parking provision should be well related to existing buildings and make use of existing hard-standing where possible. On greenfield areas, parking should reflect landscape character, be informal in layout, and avoid permanent impermeable surface treatments.
iii) Separate parking bays adjacent to the proposed accommodation structures should be avoided.
and
h) there are no adverse impacts on sensitive habitats and wildlife.
2. The site is located outside areas with high probability of flooding, and:
a) where proposals meet the requirements of RT-D8 to replace existing units on static caravan sites; or
b) as part of a diversification proposal for land-based businesses, sited close to the farmstead and where additional site facilities can be provided through the change of use of existing buildings; or
c) as part of a diversification proposal for existing accommodation premises comprising hotels/guesthouses (C1 use), self-catering complexes, and camping and caravan sites; where there is capacity in terms of area, highway access, and existing facilities without impacting on local amenity.
3. Conditions will be attached to any permission to ensure that the site will be occupied and managed in a manner that will not harm the local area. Opportunities should be taken to enhance the restoration of the site that will support biodiversity and green infrastructure.

RT-D10 RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
1. Proposals for recreational development that support a sustainable local economy will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that, individually and cumulatively:
a) they reuse traditional buildings and where appropriate non-traditional buildings. Where the need for a new building is clearly demonstrated siting should be well related to existing buildings;
b) the location together with scale, and intensity of use or activity (including seasonal impacts) is appropriate in relation to the historic environment, wildlife sensitivity, landscape character, visual amenity and existing enjoyment of the area;
c) it is in or adjoining a named settlement (GP3);
d) where they cannot be accommodated in a named settlement, the development will enhance the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park, and it can be clearly demonstrated that such a location is essential for development;
e) there is adequate access, including by sustainable modes of transport;
f) parking can be accommodated unobtrusively and the existing local road network has capacity to service the development (AC-S3); and
g) the development will be removed and land restored to its former condition when the building/structure becomes redundant unless planning permission is granted for an alternative use. Environmental enhancement will be encouraged when the land is restored.

RT-D11 EQUESTRIAN DEVELOPMENT
1. Proposals for equestrian development will be permitted where it can be demonstrated that they:
a) do not adversely affect the natural environment, amenity of the surrounding area, or neighbouring properties either directly or indirectly including through pollution;
b) re-use existing traditional buildings or, where appropriate, non-traditional buildings in accordance with CE-S5. Where the need for a new building is clearly demonstrated, siting should be well related to existing buildings;
c) do not cause unacceptable levels of traffic in terms of the environmental or physical capacity of the road network, and do not prejudice road safety interests;
d) are sited sensitively in terms of visual impact and the landscape setting of the area, and in terms of the intensity of use or activity;
e) are of an appropriate scale, well designed and, unobtrusive in their form, in terms of their height, position and materials including by means of enclosure. Proposals should reflect the character and form of existing traditional development;
f) have adequate and suitable grazing land to support the development proposed;
g) are well related to suitable networks of equestrian routes which are capable of supporting the additional use in accordance with RT-D12 Access Land and Rights of Way. Where appropriate, horses will be regulated to a number which will not cause harm to equestrian routes, the landscape or nature conservation; and
h) ensure the site is managed in accordance with an agreed land management plan.
2. In the case of development proposals that involve the keeping of horses, the development shall be sited close to the dwelling it is intended to serve.

RT-D12 ACCESS LAND AND RIGHTS OF WAY
1. The access network will be safeguarded by ensuring that development proposals will not adversely affect:
a) the condition of the access network;
b) users’ interests; and
c) character and appearance.
2. Where proposals will adversely affect the access network applicants will be required to demonstrate that:
a) the need for and benefit of the development clearly outweighs any harm to the current access network;
b) there is no appropriate alternative location;
c) any harm will be kept to a minimum;
d) the affected network will be improved and enhanced to protect users’ interests;
e) opportunities have been sought to provide linkages between routes, and strengthen the green infrastructure network; and
f) an acceptable diversion and/or compensatory land of equal or better quality are provided where necessary.

RT-D13 SAFEGUARDING LAND ALONG FORMER RAILWAYS
1. The land on the route of the former Lynton and Barnstaple Railway and the West Somerset Mineral Line as shown on the Policies Map will be safeguarded as important heritage assets and protected from development that would prevent the reuse of the former railways for the expansion of the access network (RT-D12) or the reinstatement of the former Lynton and Barnstaple Railway (RT-S2).
2. Partial deviation from the original railway route will only be considered where it can be demonstrated that a continuous linear route cannot be reasonably achieved, for the purposes of reinstating the railway, by using the original route. Where a partial deviation of the original route is permitted and developed, the agreed alternative route will be safeguarded as a replacement of the original route it substitutes.

RT-S2 REINSTATEMENT OF THE LYNTON AND BARNSTAPLE RAILWAY
1. Proposals for the reinstatement of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway should be in accordance with the following criteria:
a) the proposal should seek to reinstate and replicate the former narrow gauge railway including the line of the original route and the siting, design, appearance, and materials of the associated structures or buildings;
b) any additional new development over and above the original historic former railway should provide demonstrable evidence that it is essential for the operation of the reinstated former railway or is a restoration of a historic feature and that there are no alternative solutions which would reasonably meet the need for the development in any other way;
c) reinstatement proposals should:
i) Seek to re-use the original buildings associated with the former railway.
ii) Where it can be demonstrated that the re-use of the original buildings cannot be achieved, existing buildings in suitable proximity to the reinstatement proposal may be considered.
iii) New buildings will only be considered where it can be demonstrated that there are no existing buildings suitable for re-use.
d) new infrastructure, buildings and structures should complement the character of the original railway;
e) the proposal should respond to landscape character and ensure landscaping is appropriate to the site and character of the area and having regard to traditional features of the former railway (CE-S1 Landscape and Seascape Character);
f) the proposal should safeguard wildlife, habitats and sites of geological interest (CE-S3 Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure);
g) sustainable construction methods should be used, unless they compromise the historical accuracy and appearance of the former railway;
h) the proposal should accord with policy AC-D1 Transport and Accessibility Requirements for Development, and provide a travel plan to incorporate measures to enable safe access by walking, cycling and public transport that will help to minimise traffic generation and the need for parking;
i) parking provision should be in accordance with policies AC-S3 Traffic Management and Parking, and AC-D2 Traffic and Road Safety Considerations for Development; and
j) provision of temporary overflow parking to help address peak parking demand should accord with policy AC-D3 Parking Provision and Standards.

AC-S1 SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
1. The National Park Authority will encourage sustainable modes of transport through working with highways and transport authorities, transport providers, local communities, and where appropriate, neighbouring authorities to encourage:
a) Public transport provision, community based demand-responsive transport and car sharing.
b) Provision for walking, cycling and horse-riding including cross-boundary linkages with neighbouring authorities (RT-D12).
c) Low carbon travel.

AC-S2 TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Exmoor National Park Authority will work with highways authorities and local communities to ensure that works to highways and transport infrastructure including traditional fords and bridges, road maintenance and improvement schemes, parking or new access roads, signage and street furniture reflect local character and:
a) Are designed and constructed to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the National Park, using materials and finishes that are appropriate to the character of the local landscape and built environment.
b) Maintain and, where possible, enhance the rural character of roads.
c) Retain (or if this is not possible, replace like for like) existing traditional street furniture and highways signage such as fingerposts, milestones, cast iron signs or other features important to the character of the area.
d) Incorporate wildlife enhancements and landscaping schemes including green infrastructure where appropriate.
e) Minimise disturbance and damage during maintenance or construction.
f) Minimise lighting (CE-S2 Protecting Exmoor’s Dark Night Sky), highways signage and reduce clutter.
g) Take account of road safety interests particularly for non-motorised modes of transport, and the capacity and function of the road network.
h) Increase future resilience of transport infrastructure at risk from climate change and extreme weather events through the use of sustainable drainage systems.
2. Upgrading of existing routes designed solely to accommodate high traffic speeds will not be supported.
3. New roads and significant road widening are not considered to be appropriate in the National Park context, except where they would result in substantial environmental gain or community benefit.

AC-D1 TRANSPORT AND ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEVELOPMENT
1. In designing new development applicants should:
a) Demonstrate all opportunities have been taken advantage of to encourage safe and sustainable modes of transport including through improved infrastructure such as footpaths and cycle paths, rights of way improvements or linkages, cycle parking and storage, and electric charging points.
b) Avoid community severance and ensure good access for pedestrians and cyclists from new development to nearby services and facilities including public transport links.
c) Encourage the provision of car club and car sharing facilities where appropriate.
d) Ensure that the design and details of highway works which are required for new development proposals are appropriate in scale to the development and contribute to the conservation or enhancement of the area.
2. Where development is likely to generate significant levels of traffic, applicants will be required to prepare a Transport Assessment or Transport Statement, an air quality assessment where necessary, and a Travel Plan to ensure that the proposal delivers sustainable travel outcomes.

AC-D2 TRAFFIC AND ROAD SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT
1. The Exmoor Route Network will be taken into consideration in the determination of proposals for development to ensure that the capacity of the roads serving the development is adequate for the traffic likely to be generated.
2. Development which will cause unacceptable levels of traffic in terms of the environmental or physical capacity of the local road network, or would prejudice road safety interests, will not be permitted.

AC-S3 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND PARKING
1. The approach to traffic management on Exmoor will take into account the needs of all users including pedestrians, walkers, cyclists, horse-riders, and disabled people, including through the provision of alternative routes to avoid busy roads, safer crossing points, and use of shared surfaces where appropriate.
2. The Exmoor Route Network, as shown on the policies map, will form the framework for traffic and freight management in the National Park.
3. Replacement of existing car parking lost through development or coastal change, or the creation of small scale new facilities will be permitted where this enables opportunities to enhance public understanding and enjoyment of the National Park, or would relieve traffic and parking pressure elsewhere in the locality, including adverse impacts arising from parking on the highway. Such provision should also ensure that:
a) there is good accessibility, and there would be no material harm to the character and appearance of the locality or views from publicly accessible locations; and
b) it is well designed in accordance with the criteria set out in policy AC-S2(1) Transport Infrastructure.
4. In the National Park there is a presumption against providing for peak parking demand. The National Park Authority will work with highway authorities, Town and Parish Councils and local communities to identify local solutions to congestion and parking issues in keeping with landscape character, providing for community needs and utilising temporary solutions for peak parking where necessary and appropriate (AC-D4 Temporary Parking).
5. Proposals for new development should make adequate provision for parking in accordance with policy AC-D3 Parking Provision and Standards.

AC-D3 PARKING PROVISION AND STANDARDS
1. Proposals will be permitted where they make appropriate provision for parking including for bicycles, motorcycles, disabled users and car sharing, guided by the standards set out in Table 9.1.
2. Parking provision should take into account environmental constraints, be well designed and integrated with a high quality environment.
3. Developments in more sustainable locations that are well served by public transport or have good walking and cycling links will be considered appropriate for lower levels of car parking provision or in appropriate cases, no car parking provision. Proposals for higher levels of cycle parking will be favourably considered.

AC-D4 TEMPORARY PARKING
Temporary overflow measures may be permitted to accommodate peak parking demand, where there is no adverse impact on the environment and character of the area, sensitive habitats and wildlife species and/or the amenity of local communities. The design of the proposal should be in accordance with the temporary nature of the parking provision with no permanent features or tracks, and meet the criteria for permanent parking set out in AC-S2 (1) Transport Infrastructure.

AC-S4 ELECTRICITY AND COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS
1. Development to improve the accessibility and standard of the electricity and telecommunications networks will be encouraged in order to contribute to thriving communities and businesses, and climate change mitigation. Great weight will be given to ensuring that the National Park and its special qualities are conserved and enhanced.
2. Proposals will be supported where:
a) the location, siting, scale and design of structures will not cause any unacceptable adverse impacts on the landscape and/or seascape character, visual amenity, biodiversity and cultural heritage of the National Park;
b) co-operative working with partner organisations and utility operators has been demonstrated, to facilitate the sharing, utilisation and consolidation of existing communications infrastructure in rolling out new or improved communication technologies; and
c) provision is made for the removal of apparatus and reinstatement of land when the apparatus becomes redundant.
3. Proposals for major and nationally significant transmission infrastructure including high voltage pylon transmission lines, substations and other above ground structures from large scale offshore renewable energy schemes will be considered in accordance with policy GP2 Major Development.

AC-D5 RADIO AND MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Proposals for radio and mobile telecommunications development will be permitted where they first seek to share existing infrastructure, there is capacity in landscape terms, and no increase in height of existing masts is required.
2. Where it can be demonstrated that (1) is not possible, apparatus will be sited on existing masts or other features such as buildings or other structures, to minimise adverse effects on landscape character.
3. Where it can be demonstrated that (1) and (2) are not possible, the apparatus shall be sited and designed to ensure that it has an acceptable appearance in the landscape including through camouflage as a natural or traditional feature.
4. In determining all proposals:
a) the highest standards of design will be sought in terms of colour, dimensions, construction and overall shape to minimise any visual impact;
b) there will be no unacceptable cumulative or sequential visual impact with other vertical structures in the landscape;
c) there will be no unacceptable adverse effects on sensitive habitats and wildlife, or the historic environment;
d) if on a building, apparatus and associated structures should be sited and designed in order to seek to minimise impact to the external appearance of the host building;
e) the amenity of nearby residents and visitors are not adversely affected; and
f) opportunities for enhancement of the landscape including consolidation of any existing telecommunications infrastructure will be sought.
5. A condition will be attached to any planning consent to ensure that there will be ongoing management in place where trees are essential in providing amelioration to visual impacts including as camouflage to antenna within trees.

AC-D6 FIXED LINE TRANSMISSION INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Proposals for new transmission lines will be permitted where they first seek to be routed underground, unless this will conflict with policies CE-S1 Landscape and Seascape Character, CE-S3 Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure, CE-S4 Cultural Heritage and Historic Environment.
2. Where it can be demonstrated that (1) is not possible, other means of providing the service with minimal environmental impact should be considered (CC-S5 Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Development, AC-D7 Satellite Antennae).
3. Where it can be demonstrated that (1) and (2) are not possible, proposals for overhead lines may only be permitted where the visual impact is minimised by selecting the least obtrusive route and where it will not cross any moorland or open landscapes, or break the skyline.
4. Proposals relating to low voltage electrical cabling from renewable energy technologies (CC-S5 Low Carbon and Renewable Energy Development) will only be permitted where:
a) they will be routed underground;
b) they will not adversely affect landscape and seascape character, biodiversity, cultural heritage or recreational use of the coast; and
c) there is adequate infrastructure to connect cabling nearby that does not require substantial modification or upgrading, or where any modification/upgrading to existing infrastructure is minimal and will not have any unacceptable impact.
5. Proposals that require electricity or telecommunication service lines to new development will be expected to provide underground routing subject to policies CE-S1 Landscape and Seascape Character, CE-S3 Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure and CE-S4 Cultural Heritage and Historic Environment.

AC-D7 SATELLITE ANTENNAE
1. The installation of satellite antennae or wireless broadband equipment will be permitted where they are sited unobtrusively and are of a scale and design which will not cause unacceptable harm, either individually or cumulatively, to the historic or architectural interest of traditional buildings, the street scene, or overall landscape or settlement character.
2. Installations that reduce the unacceptable harm caused by the cumulative visual impact of individual technologies will be favourably considered in relation to the tests above.

ES-S1 SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Where parish and town councils and local communities have identified priorities and plans for the development they need to sustain their settlements over the longer term, the National Park Authority will provide advice and support to help achieve these aims where they are consistent with the Local Plan.

ES-D1 CUTCOMBE AND WHEDDON CROSS COMMUNITY SAFEGUARDING AREA
Land to the north of Cutcombe First School, as shown on Inset Map 6, is safeguarded for an extension to the school site and school playing field.

ES-D2 DULVERTON COMMUNITY SAFEGUARDING AREA
Land adjacent to the cemetery in Dulverton, as shown on Inset Map 7, is safeguarded for an extension to the existing cemetery.

MI-S1 MONITORING AND REVIEW OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING NEED AND PROVISION
1. The National Park Authority will complete a review of the indicative affordable housing need figure for the Plan period set out in paragraph 6.32 of the Plan, on the basis of the latest available evidence, by no later than 31 December 2020 and at intervals of no more than five years thereafter.  If any review shows that there has been an increase of more than 20% in the indicative affordable housing need figure compared with the figure in paragraph 6.32 of the Plan, a full or partial review of the Plan will be undertaken to take account of this change.
2. If in any continuous three-year monitoring period the total number of affordable dwellings permitted in those three years is less than 10% of the indicative affordable housing need figure for the Plan period as a whole, set out in paragraph 6.32 of the Plan, the Authority will carry out a review of the reasons for this in consultation with local stakeholders unless:
a)  cumulative delivery since 2011 meets or exceeds the total of the average annualised figure of affordable housing need to date; or
b)  evidence from up to date parish housing need surveys shows that existing levels of provision are sufficient to meet local needs for affordable housing. In this context “existing levels of provision” means the existing affordable housing stock together with any affordable dwellings which are under construction or which have extant planning permission.
3.  If a review is triggered in accordance with clause 2 of this policy and it indicates that changes to the Plan are needed to increase delivery of affordable housing to meet local needs, a full or partial review of the Plan will be undertaken to take forward the necessary changes.