On 21st May 2024, the UK Government increased Permitted Development Rights for agricultural units exceeding 5 hectares, to allow for the erection of new agricultural buildings or extensions from 1,000m2 to 1,500m2, subject to certain conditions.
As specialists in rural planning and development, Acland Bracewell takes great pride in providing strategic advice on the most appropriate ‘planning’ strategy for farming and landowner clients that delivers long-term sustainable development that meets the needs of their agricultural business.
As farming continues to modernise, there is an increasing demand for purpose-built portal frame agricultural buildings that utilise the increased Permitted Development Rights for agricultural units. The previous UK Government acknowledged that a third of all farmland is managed by tenant farmers and recognised the importance of tenanted holdings being able to access the opportunities that these planning changes make. The Government argues that permitted development rights support growth and incentivise different types of development by providing certainty and removing the need to spend time and money submitting a planning application.
Combined with the reduced level of technical input required at the planning stage, reduced application costs and time frames that local planning authorities have in determining the Application for Prior Notification, this option is attractive to our farming and landowner clients as opposed to applying under a full planning application.
Under this option, Prior Notification must be provided to the Local Planning Authority, who has 28 days to make one of three options. Either determine that prior approval is required in relation to siting, design and external appearance, or determine that prior approval is not required, or fail to determine the application within the 28 days. In either of the latter cases, the agricultural building can be constructed, provided it complies with the permitted development right.
Acland Bracewell continues as specialists in this field of agricultural planning for farming and landowner clients in the North West and throughout the UK.
Please do refer to the Case Studies Section of our website if you would like to review recent examples of agricultural buildings which we have obtained permission under the Prior Notification procedure.
How can Acland Bracewell Help?
With over 60 years’ experience in the planning sector and a specialism in gaining planning permission for rural and Green Belt projects, Acland Bracewell is well versed in agricultural development. We’re here to support you in achieving your commercial and diversification goals. Get in touch to speak with an expert