Amenity Open Space
Policy BE15
Development proposals affecting areas of
public or private open space identified on the proposals map as
having particular amenity value will only be permitted if no
significant loss of amenity value would result. Proposals involving
built development will not normally be permitted.
2.44 The principle of protecting amenity open
space is established in Structure Plan Policy 27. The Local Plan
identifies areas of land within settlements which make so
significant a contribution to their character and to the amenity
and enjoyment of nearby residents and the public at large as to
warrant long term retention as open space. Such designation does
not signify that such areas are available for public access and use
although this may be the case in some instances. Rather, it
indicates an intention that proposals for built development which
would encroach on identified areas will not normally be granted
planning permission. However, some changes in land use that do not
involve built development may be permitted if the amenity value of
the site concerned would not be significantly compromised.
Settlements with Unbuilt Frontages
Policy BE16
In the following settlements development
will not be permitted in the long stretches of unbuilt road
frontage where the character and amenity of the settlement would be
adversely affected:
Ainstable, Blencow, Burrells, Catterlen,
Drybeck, Ivegill, Johnby, Lamonby, Maulds Meaburn, Little Musgrave,
Newbiggin (Ainstable), Ormside, Ousby, Ruckcroft,
Southwaite.
2.45 A number of settlements in the District are
distinctive in their form, comprising groups of buildings
interspersed by long stretches of unbuilt frontage. As a general
principle it is considered that these unbuilt frontages should
remain largely undeveloped in order to protect the character and
amenity of the settlements concerned. Exceptions may be permitted
for development of a scale and in a location which is related to
and respects the existing built form.
Extension of Residential Curtilages
Policy BE17
Proposals which involve the extension of
residential curtilage into adjoining agricultural land will only be
permitted if no significant adverse impact will result on the
character or amenity of the area. Where consent is granted,
conditions may be imposed which remove permitted development
rights.
2.46 The extension of residential curtilage into
agricultural land constitutes development which must be the subject
of an application for planning permission. In assessing such
applications, the Council will take into account any adverse impact
on the character or amenity of the area which may result. Such
change may result in particular where a formal garden layout or
ornamental planting is planned which would be alien if proposed in
an open, agricultural landscape or where there is a clearly
established relationship between settlement and countryside which
the proposed change would disrupt. Where consent is granted, it may
be considered necessary to remove permitted development rights thus
allowing control to be exercised in the future over any building
within what may be a sensitive area.
