Exmoor National Park Authority is inviting comments on their new guidance into how homes in the National Park can be applied for.

The public consultation is running for six weeks until 18 June 2019.

The draft document “Rural Worker and Succession Farm Dwelling Guidance” applies to those working in land-based businesses in the National Park. It is supplementary to existing national guidelines as well as those set out in the Local Plan for the National Park.

Nationally, homes in the open countryside are only permitted in exceptional circumstances, such as needing a full-time worker permanently on site to tend livestock. Local planning policy further recognises that maintaining the fabric of Exmoor’s farming community is intrinsic to conserving the distinct landscapes and habitats of the National Park, along with the centuries-old farming practices that help sustain them.

For example there is extra flexibility to help older farmers retire and a younger generation to take on responsibility for the farm business, or for larger dwellings to be applied for if the scale or nature of the enterprise demands it and the need can’t be met through alternative arrangements.

But equally the rules are stringent around the impact of any new dwelling on the landscape to ensure they are sensitive to the unique character and scenic beauty of the National Park.

These new guidelines are intended to help balance these two obligations.

Robin Milton, chairman of the National Park Authority, said: “This is an important document for Exmoor and its communities to ensure there are opportunities for new housing where it is essential to working people being able to live locally and to conserve and enhance this beautiful area.

"It is intended to help applicants and all those involved in planning for farm dwellings in the National Park and we would love to hear people’s views.”

View the documents