PART 3 LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID)

3.1 Low Impact Development has been defined as development that through its low negative impact, either enhances or does not significantly diminish environmental quality. Permaculture is also a term used to describe schemes that develop single holdings or co-operative communities that are self sufficient in food growing, energy generation and waste disposal. Work and living arrangements are integrated with a minimal impact on the environment. The aim is to improve the environmental quality of the site in question. It is an integral part of schemes that dwellings are provided on the site. These can range from temporary canvas dwellings to more substantial timber framed houses. In principle any structures should be capable of being removed from the site to leave it in an equivalent or better condition than before the development. There are a number of LID schemes in the UK with temporary planning permissions.

3.2 Currently there is no national planning policy that specifically outlines any exceptions for LID projects to be developed in the countryside although all development should be sustainable with minimal environmental impact. LID planning applications that have come forward have tended to be assessed against the essential dwellings planning policy.

Proposed policy

3.3 To introduce the LID concept and an enabling policy into national planning policy. Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) depending on local circumstances, could develop criteria based policies as part of the Local Development Plan (LDP) against which LID applications would be assessed. Where appropriate, specific sites for LID communities should be brought forward and assessed as part of the LDP candidate site process. National Guidance would be developed and consulted upon in the revision of Technical Advice Note 6 “Agricultural and Rural Development”.