The land is a crucial asset one can own, and its potential for development is one of the ways to justify it. Agricultural land comes with the purpose of crop production and other farming-related activities. However, with the scope of farming falling in the United Kingdom, the need for owning it is also becoming less. As a result, it can be purchased at lesser prices and utilised for other commercial purposes.
Nevertheless, this cannot make the need for crop production domestically any less. It can somehow justify the strictness of obtaining the planning permission on agricultural land. For a clearer picture, this blog will focus on planning permission on agricultural land-
Let’s look at the possible reasons for seeking planning permission on any agricultural land.
When do you need planning permission on agricultural land?
There can be possibly two situations for you to seek planning permission-
The need to change the purpose/ usage of land or a building from agriculture to something else.
The need to structure a new building (s) on agricultural land.
What are the possibilities without planning permission?
Without seeking planning permission, you can construct, extend, and reshape a building built on agricultural land until it:
- Is not on the land, which has 0.5 hectares of area.
- Has an agriculture-related purpose.
- Doesn’t include a residential property.
- Is not the first or earliest agricultural building in that unit.
- Not less than a distance of 75 metres from any surrounding house and not more than a distance of 75 metres from major farm buildings.
- Is not more than 12 metres or 500 square metres in height.
- Is at a distance of over 9 metres from the middle of the road.
- In addition to these, you can build, form, or alter the lane until:
- You don’t need it in relation to development that requires planning permission.
- The land has archaeological potential.
What all can you build within agricultural land?
Usually, agricultural land allows crop harvesting and livestock rearing. You can use it for residential purposes, such as a single-family home in many situations. It is comparatively flexible and can cover vacant and rural land. The properties that agricultural land can consist of are ranches, farms, and homesteads. Along with that, you can build these on agricultural land:
- Farmhouses
- Poultry Coops
- Barns
- Livestock shelters
- Loafing sheds
- Silos
- Equipment storage
- Cold Storage
- Hay and Feed storage
- Residing arenas
What are the steps to take planning permission on agricultural land?
If you intend to perform any of the above-stated updates on your agricultural land, here are the steps you need to follow to get the planning permission on agricultural land:
Take care of finances
Finance is one of the most crucial aspects to consider before initiating any development plans, including planning permission. With this, before you want to proceed with anything, you can check the presence of sufficient funds. You must see if there is any need to sell the land or the possibilities of enough return on your investment.
Get in touch with professionals
To go ahead and attain your said goals, you will need the assistance of several professionals. You might think of going ahead all by yourself, but this can increase your chances of finding yourself in a baffling situation.
Prepare a good plan
It is undoubtedly necessary to have a good plan to proceed with the planning process. Planning officials would want to learn about your purpose in seeking planning permission. The absence of appropriate details can obstruct your possibilities of getting permission.
Apply
When you are ready with the detailed plan, you will have to submit them to the local authority or planning officer. You can expect them to inspect the area and evaluate the possible impact on the agricultural land. Once done with this, you will have to wait for a while, during which you can seek other permissions with the process.
Final Thoughts
The land is an asset with great potential for development, but before that, it is necessary for you to get the planning permission. In this blog, we have discussed the development scope for agricultural land. The need to seek planning permission for it can arise when you want to change the purpose of the land, or you have to erect a new building on it. There are different options for you to construct on agricultural land, including a farmhouse, barn, silos, and storage house.
For the need to seek planning permission on agricultural land, this blog has also taken you to the steps you need to follow. If you are looking for more information on the same or want us to simplify the process for you, we at ADL are the set of professionals you need to stay by your side. You can get in touch with us for further information.
Recommended Readings:
Difference between Planning Gain Promotion Agreement and Option Agreement
