- a.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;
- b.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;
- c.Evidence is provided to demonstrate that the need cannot be met through alternative accommodation options, including:
- d.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.
- i.Within an existing home on the unit;
- ii.Through re-using, extending or adapting an existing building on the unit;
- iii.Other existing accommodation in the local area; and
- iv.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:
- a.It is evidenced that the home is genuinely surplus to the current and foreseeable future needs of the unit concerned;
- b.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
- c.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.