New agricultural buildings need consent

15:01:20 4th January 2010

Constructing new agricultural buildings involves a series of pitfalls that could catch unwary farmers off-guard, an industry expert has warned.

Farmers now have to take into consideration the complicated process of seeking planning consent, said rural development expert Richard Brogden in the Farmers Guardian.

Many farmers still believe they hold the same freedom as twenty years ago when they could develop anything on their land without the need for approval - but this is not the case, said Mr Brogden.

"Although it is true you can build, extend, excavate and renovate under permitted development rights, you must still adhere to the process, submitting an application on the designated form together with an outline of your plans and a fee usually of around £50."

Mr Brogden also warned of the need to outline all precise plans, including material change within the development process.

The Country, Land and Business Association recently stated that it is against the proposed introduction of the Community Infrastructure Levy, a scheme that would bring agricultural buildings under a standard development charge.

The organisation claims small scale rural developments should not incur such a large levy, and warned it could make many schemes unviable.