Explanation G1

9.11

In order to ensure that the Green Belt can achieve its purposes and objectives, there will be a general presumption against most forms of development within it. Certain forms of development, however, can be appropriately accommodated within the Green Belt. 

New agricultural or forestry buildings

9.12

The construction of buildings for agriculture or forestry purposes (e.g. for storage of machinery etc.) is appropriate development in the Green Belt, although the siting and design of such buildings must preserve the landscape character of the countryside.

Dwellings for key workers

9.13

The provision of new dwellings is inappropriate in the Green Belt with one exception. This exception is where the applicant has demonstrated that a new dwelling is essential to accommodate one or more key workers in connection with an agricultural or forestry enterprise.  Planning Policy Statement 7 “Sustainable Development in Rural Areas” requires that applications for permanent dwellings for key workers must contain detailed information to demonstrate that there is a functional need for a new dwelling, together with details to establish the financial viability of the business. If the enterprise is a new one (i.e. has not been established for three years), the Council should not grant permission for a new permanent dwelling, but may consider granting permission for a temporary dwelling (such as a caravan or mobile home) for a maximum three year period to enable the long term viability of the enterprise to be established.

9.14

Dwellings which are unusually large in relation to the needs of the farm concerned would exceed what is “required” for the purpose stated and will therefore not be permitted under policy G1. Where permission for a key workers dwelling is granted, occupancy of the dwelling will be restricted, by planning condition, to a person solely or mainly working, or last working in the locality in agriculture or in forestry, or a widow or widower of such a person.

Buildings for Outdoor Sport and Recreation

9.15

Knowsley’s countryside provides opportunities for sustainable rural tourism and leisure activities, which can play an important role in the regeneration of the rural economy.  In providing development for tourism or leisure needs in the Green Belt, the development must be appropriate, genuinely required and preserve the openness of the Green Belt.

9.16

Knowsley Safari Park is by far the largest tourist facility in Knowsley. It is located within the Knowsley Hall estate, which covers an area of several square miles. The Park is a predominantly open use and the Council is keen to encourage its long-term attractiveness as a key tourist attraction. This means that new buildings or other development which are essential to the operation of the safari park may be permitted under policy G1, provided they maintain the primarily open character of the area.

Extensions to residential curtilages

9.17

The extension of residential curtilages generally detracts from the openness of the Green Belt, due to the erection of fencing, boundary walls, domestic “paraphernalia” such as washing lines, play equipment, parked vehicles, etc. Not all of these are capable of being controlled by conditions on planning permissions in such a way as to reduce their impact on the Green Belt. This means that such proposals will normally be refused as they fail to comply with policy G1.

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