Dartmoor National Park Authority has introduced a new planning policy that is supportive of low impact residential development – subject to certain criteria of course.

The new policy forms part of the Dartmoor Local Plan 2018-2036, which was formally adopted by the Authority on 3^rd December 2021.

The Local Plan states:

“This Local Plan aims to take an inclusive approach to sustainable development, supporting the varied needs of Dartmoor’s community. There is a growing movement of people who genuinely wish to live differently and take it upon themselves to pursue development and a lifestyle which is far more sustainable and low impact than what is considered normal in the 21^st Century. Their homes are unconventional structures, built on-site, of natural materials sourced within the locality. Whilst a home may be of non-standard construction, it must meet relevant building regulations, and provide safe and healthy living accommodation”.

The policy itself states that low impact residential development will be permitted subject to ten criteria. Where these criteria are satisfied, permission could be granted for a temporary period of up to six years, with a monitoring report needing to be submitted at the five year mark. After that there would be scope for a permanent planning permission.

The accompanying text states that where a proposed development is outside but well related to a settlement, it must meet further criteria.

So for those interested in setting up a low impact residential development, and perhaps setting up a land-based livelihood, this policy is something to explore further. As always, read the small print.

It’s not quite the same as One Planet Development, which has been established in Wales for the last 10 years, but for those wanting English planning authorities to embrace OPD type planning policies, it is certainly a step forward.

If anyone can find a site and put forward a proposal that meets all the criteria!

For more info, see Low impact residential development (Dartmoor)

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