There is clearly established functional need for the home that cannot be met through other means and which relates to a full-time worker directly employed by the business;

The unit and the agricultural or forestry activity concerned is well established and it can be demonstrated that the activity is profitable, is currently financially sound and is economically sustainable;

Evidence is provided to demonstrate that the need cannot be met through alternative accommodation options, including:

The home is of a size commensurate with the established functional requirement, is not unusually large in relation to the needs of the unit and relates well to the existing setting.

Within an existing home on the unit;

Through re-using, extending or adapting an existing building on the unit;

Other existing accommodation in the local area; and

The conversion, extension or replacement of existing buildings in the surrounding locality.

Where it cannot be demonstrated that the activity is well-established it may be possible to justify a temporary dwelling for a period to be determined on a case-by-case basis, to allow it to establish its long-term profitability. In such cases, proposals will be granted subject to the other criteria set out in the policy. Applicants will also be required to demonstrate that there is a firm intention to develop the enterprise and that the activity has been planned on a sound financial basis.

The removal of agricultural occupancy restrictions will only be permitted where:

It is evidenced that the home is genuinely surplus to the current and foreseeable future needs of the unit concerned;

There is no evidence of a long-term need for the dwelling within the locality from people who would comply with the occupancy condition; and

Comprehensive evidence has been submitted to demonstrate that the dwelling has been actively marketed as an agricultural holding for a period of at least 12 months, at a market price that reflects the occupancy condition and confirmation that no reasonable interest has been identified.