What’s the issue?
The current planning system is not sufficiently attuned to the needs of new entrants and agroecological farm businesses. Many farmers face struggles gaining permission for necessary farm infrastructure and the right to live on the farm. In a high proportion of cases these lead to lengthy delays, increased stress and costs for the farmer, and reduced efficiency of the business during the time the issues are being resolved. In many instances these obstacles have destroyed otherwise viable farm businesses being established by new entrants.
Many who go through the process wonder why smaller-scale farmers and new entrants wishing to live on their holdings are subject to such intense scrutiny, while large conventional farms receive permitted development for 1000m2 barns and people with urban incomes can buy former farmhouses, agricultural workers cottages or Class Q conversions without having to supply any justification whatsoever as to why they need to live there.
In over 60% of cases where new entrants succeed in getting residential permission, it is given at appeal. This suggests that Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) are often making poor decisions. It is clearly in the interest of both farmers and an overburdened planning system to reduce the number of appeals.