Supplementary Planning Guidance to UDP

A number of SPG's have been produced to add further information to the policies of the emerging UDP.

• Design and Development Requirements
  The main purpose of this document is to highlight at an early stage, the many and varied design issues applicants may need to address in their development proposals. Such early consideration will help ensure well designed developments, minimum environmental impact and a more sustainable future for present and future generations.
  See the Resource Box below to download the SPG.
  
• Re-use and Adaptation of Rural Buildings
  The re-use and conversion of existing rural buildings has an important role in meeting the needs of the rural areas for commercial, agricultural diversification and industrial development as well as tourism, sport and recreation. The emphasis is on promoting the continuing use of buildings whilst ensure the proposal will be environmentally acceptable and sustainable in overall terms. This SPG highlights the weight that should be given to securing business reuse and the market testing requirements to be submitted with all residential applications.
  See the Resource Box below to download the SPG.
  
• Provision of Affordable Housing
  The aim of this SPG (adopted March 2001, updated November 2004) is to improve the delivery and maximise the opportunities available for the provision of affordable housing to meet the County's housing needs, and provide additional guidance on the interpretation of policies on affordable housing in the Unitary Development Plan.
  See the Resource Box below to download the SPG.
  
• Biodiversity
  This provides guidelines on the types of information the Council will require when submitting a planning application and the retention and protection of wildlife within development proposals. Importantly it also provides practical advice on the creation of new wildlife habitats and enhancing biodiversity on development sites.
  
• Landscape Character Assessment
  This provides a framework within which development proposals can be designed and assessed in relation to their impact on the landscape character and help contribute to the protection and improvement of our natural heritage.