The Rural Economy

5.8 It is important that the Local Plan allows for the development of a healthy rural economy. Sensitive, small scale employment development in the rural areas will be allowed where this would be sustainable and would not harm the amenity or character of the locality. It is particularly important that new business development does not detract from the character and heritage of the countryside, which is one of the contributory assets upon which the borough’s tourism and leisure industries are based.

5.9 It is anticipated that some provision for additional rural employment will need to be made through new buildings, including development on rural general employment areas. There are some rural settlements which do not have a general employment area and many villages have existing businesses which add to the vitality of the community. The Borough Council is supportive of rural business and policy RU1 allows for additional employment in the rural areas subject to environmental and travel considerations.

POLICY RU1: EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT IN THE RURAL AREAS

In addition to the policies elsewhere in this plan employment development will be permitted in or adjacent to villages (as defined in Appendix A) where all the following criteria are met:

• a) The proposal is small in scale, defined as being normally no more than 300 sq. metres of floor space (gross);
• b) No industrial activities or storage of materials takes place outside of the buildings; and
• c) The layout and design reflect the countryside location.

5.10 Agriculture and related industries have long been the major part of the local economy in St Edmundsbury. However, farm businesses increasingly need to find ways of diversifying to offset the long term trend of falling prices for agricultural goods. These will include non-agricultural activities such as farm-based attractions, tourism related development and sporting activities. The scale and character of these activities needs to be sensitive to the character of their setting and protect or enhance it. Existing buildings should be re-used, where possible, to provide any accommodation needed in association with alternative uses.

POLICY RU2: FARM DIVERSIFICATION

Proposals for farm diversification will be permitted where:

• a) Proposals retain existing or provide new employment opportunities and services for the local community;
• b) The proposal does not threaten the viability of the farm unit;
• c) The erection of the new buildings is kept to a minimum; and
• d) The proposal would not result in detriment to the rural environment arising from traffic movements on Class 3 or unclassified roads.