Farmers could soon face lower planning hurdles under government proposals that would see Parliament give a default ‘yes’ to agricultural development in rural areas, a move the NFU has welcomed as a boost to investment and business growth.
The union said the announcement of a consultation on planning reform could significantly reduce red tape, speed up approvals for new farm buildings and make it easier for farmers and producers to invest in things such as modern facilities aimed at improving animal welfare.
At the heart of the proposals are changes to the development principles under which local planning authorities are expected to approve agricultural development unless there are exceptional circumstances. The NFU said this should lead to faster decision-making and greater certainty for agricultural businesses looking to expand.
The Government also reaffirmed that it will consult in the new year on exemptions from biodiversity net gain (BNG) requirements for small farms, and plans to simplify rules around off-farm biodiversity provision, reducing costs and complexity for farmers.
The NFU said the practical effects of the reforms would be clearer guidance and less time spent considering complex planning rules, allowing businesses to focus on food production, investment and supporting local jobs.
The union said the changes could be particularly important for small family farms facing rising costs and regulatory pressures. NFU vice-president Rachel Harross said: “The Government’s proposed consultation clearly demonstrates its intention to modernize the planning system and make it work better for farming businesses.”
He added: “I agree with Secretary of State Steve Reid that the current system is not working well and needs to change to enable our member countries’ businesses to grow and invest in their futures.”
He said the proposed changes to the Development Principles, if implemented, would be “a significant step forward in making planning simpler and more supportive of farming operations”.
Mr Harros also highlighted the importance of water security, particularly for horticultural producers, and said stronger support for reservoirs in national planning policy frameworks would bring farmers and producers “one step closer to ensuring reliable access to clean water and ensuring the UK’s future food security”.
He said farmers remained committed to caring for the countryside and improving the natural environment, and argued that simplifying the rules would allow the sector to continue to protect biodiversity, maintain hedgerows, improve soil health and protect water quality, while producing affordable food.
She added that planning reform has been a long-standing priority for the NFU in consultation with Government, from meetings with the Prime Minister to ongoing work with Agriculture Minister Dame Angela Eagle. Mr Harros said it was heartening to see concerns previously raised by Steve Reid during his time at Defra reflected in the reform proposals.
The NFU said it will engage fully with the government on further discussions on BNG exemptions for small sites and expected announcements on further agricultural development rights granted next year.
Farmers and producers will be watching closely to see how quickly the proposals are put into practice once consultation responses and implementation schedules are published in the new year.
