Policy DM19 - Temporary Agricultural Dwellings

We do not object to this policy. However, Table 2 of the Technical Guidance to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) classifies 'Caravans, mobile homes and park homes intended for permanent residential use' as 'Highly Vulnerable' development, which is considered inappropriate in Flood Zone 3. Policy DM19 does not currently take flood risk into account and we consider it may benefit from the additional text, included in the policy below:
"Applications for the stationing of mobile homes for agricultural workers in the Green Belt and wider countryside will be permitted provided it can be demonstrated that:
i) it is essential for the proper functioning of the enterprise for at least one person to be present on the holding at most times of the day and night;
ii) the functional need relates to a full-time agricultural/horticultural worker;
iii) there is clear evidence of a firm intention and ability to develop the enterprise concerned;
iv) there is clear evidence that the proposed enterprise has been planned on a sound financial basis;
v) no dwelling or other existing building suitable for conversion to a dwelling has recently (generally considered to be within the past two years) has been sold or let by the applicant that would have otherwise met the functional need;
vi) the functional need could not be fulfilled by another dwelling on the unit, or any other accommodation in the area as a whole that is suitable for, and available to, the worker(s) concerned; and
vii) any mobile home will be located outside Flood Zone 3, and will only be located in Flood Zone 2 where it is shown to pass the Sequential and Exception Tests and is supported by a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment.

Any development which is permitted should be of a scale, design and siting such that the character of the countryside is not harmed and nature conservation interests are protected.
Permissions for mobile homes will be subject to conditions, in particular to restrict their occupation to persons solely or mainly employed, or last employed, in agriculture in the locality and require their removal from the holding after a maximum period of three years."