We will safeguard and enhance the economic vitality and
environmental quality of the countryside. Activities and
development which help to regenerate or diversify the rural
economy, support the well being of rural communities, or increase
the recreational and tourism potential of rural areas will be
permitted. This will include:
- Agricultural development and appropriate farm diversification
enterprises
- The establishment or expansion of rural businesses and
activities
- Outdoor recreational pursuits and proposals which facilitate
improved access to and within the countryside
- Facilities for tourists or visitors
Proposals will be expected to respect and where possible enhance
the natural, cultural and visual qualities of the landscape and the
character of the countryside.
Development proposals that help to sustain or regenerate the
economic vitality and environmental quality of the countryside in
and around the main urban centres will be supported. Development
proposals will be particularly welcomed where they help to assist
agricultural diversification or regenerate those areas despoiled by
previous industrial uses and revive poor quality landscapes.
Development will not be permitted if it would result in the loss
of the best and most versatile agricultural land (Grade 3a and
above). Proposals for the diversification of farm enterprises and
small scale business development will be supported where they help
to sustain or regenerate the rural economy.
Opportunities for all to gain access to the countryside on foot,
cycle or horseback will be protected and opportunities to improve
and extend such provision will be encouraged, starting with those
areas close to towns and areas already popular. Planning agreements
and planning conditions will be used where appropriate to ensure
that development proposals protect and where possible enhance such
opportunities. The Council will improve and extend opportunities
for all to gain access to the countryside do this by maintaining,
improving and extending the existing rights of way network and
improving signposting and waymarking. The Council will work in
partnership with other local authorities and agencies where
appropriate to achieve this.
We will develop, in partnership with other agencies,
bodies, occupiers and landowners, a system of strategic
recreational rights of way. The intention will be to secure the
protection, development and improvement of these routes to link
areas of managed and accessible countryside and establish links
with routes in the wider region. The Council will encourage and
implement high quality links with such routes from urban areas.
Where appropriate and practicable, the Council will support
schemes which facilitate the greater use of these routes by
cyclists, horseriders and those people with impaired mobility.
Where opportunities and resources permit, the Council will support
and implement enhancement schemes such as waymarking, picnic,
interpretation and other facilities along the routes. Through
effective management the Council will, as resources and
opportunities permit, develop the recreational potential of these
areas.
The Council will promote and extend opportunities for
countryside recreation by securing the provision of visitor
facilities in appropriate locations.
For more details of these policies contact the Strategic
Planning Team and refer to the Unitary Development Plan Adopted
2006.