Policy HO9 Conversion and Re-use of Rural Buildings as Dwellings

The conversion and re-use of suitably constructed buildings in the countryside for permanent residential purposes will be permitted provided that:

  1. the building is located within an area identified on the Proposals Map for that purpose(xlvii), and
  2. the building is worthy of retention due to its appearance, historic, architectural or landscape value, and
  3. the building is structurally sound and suitable for conversion to a residential use without substantial rebuilding or extension and the alterations protect or enhance the character of the building and its setting, and
  4. the scheme is of an appropriate scale in terms of the number of dwellings proposed for the location, and
  5. where it is viable to do so, on all schemes resulting in two or more units, not less than 50% of the total number of dwellings proposed are affordable(xlviii), or an equivalent contribution is made in accordance with the requirements of Policy HO2.

Outside the locations identified, residential uses will not be permitted unless the building is of exceptional historic, architectural or landscape value(xlix) and it is demonstrated that a residential use would best secure the future of the building and the above criteria 3 to 5 are met. 

Proposals that would result in the loss of a significant number of jobs will not normally be supported.

(xIvii) Rarely the outer edge of the policy area may dissect a single building or established group of closely related buildings. Where this clearly is the case the policy will apply to the whole building or group.

(xIviii) This may take the form of a financial contribution in lieu of on-site provision to ensure the required number of affordable dwellings can be built without the need for public subsidy.

(xIix) Listed Building or a building (including a building Listed by association) that would meet North Norfolk criteria for Local Listing. In the case of a building that lies within the curtilage of a Listed Building, it would need to be demonstrated that the building makes a positive contribution to the Listed entity as a whole. The key objective would remain that of identifying the optimum viable use, compatible with the fabric, interior, and setting of the historic building. In this context, optimum refers to the conservation of the building. The optimum use may not be the most profitable use if that would entail more destructive alterations than other viable uses.