Autumn planning roundup

Tetlow King continues to offer planning advice to the rural sector including farmers. Regular enquiries continue relating to work such as:

• Removal of agricultural occupancy conditions
• Certificates obtained to prove sons and daughters wishing to live on the farm in mobile homes to take over the farm do not require permission
• Class Q (barns to residential) conversions
• Class R (barns to business) conversions
• New agricultural buildings through the permitted development route or via full planning
• Equestrian and stable work
• Listed building and enforcement work
• Vineyard work.

It has been a busy few months since Telow King featured in South East Farmer in January. A change in government, changes to planning policy and, in particular, proposed changes to the green belt to add a ‘grey belt’ definition, can all offer opportunities for landowners.

A couple of changes worthy of note are changes to Class Q regulations (farm buildings to dwellings). Previously the buildings had to be agricultural, but that has now changed to allow other farm buildings to be considered as long as they are on the farm. In addition, buildings can be extended to the rear as part of the application.

These are good changes which will benefit farmers whose barns previously did not benefit from Class Q, such as equestrian buildings and stables. Meanwhile the numbers permitted have jumped from five to 10, so those who have used five already now have a further five opportunities.

Class R (farm buildings to business use) has seen the floorspace allowed doubled to 1,000m². This enables a significant business use to be obtained that can help diversify the farm and provide additional commercial rental income.

Farm diversification continues to be a strong driving force. A recent success includes gaining permission for Kentfield Country Estate to run weddings from the site using a marquee, but with a permanent consent. A permanent consent was needed to justify the additional financial investment needed to upgrade the facilities on site and make the events more popular, moving the business forward.

Despite significant objections from local residents, Tetlow King was able to overcome the concerns and convince the council to recognise the merits of the case and support the principle of the application without the need for it to be reported to the planning committee.

Another success saw permission granted for a new equestrian yard, including two new-build holiday lets to enable riders to visit and stay with their horses. The holiday lets will substantially help the finances of the yard.

Pictured: New Farmplus livestock building permitted at Warehorne, Kent