Reduced Planning Laws For Farmers Announced

Farmers will be able to construct or extend new agricultural buildings without the need for planning application, according to new proposals.

The new laws could see agricultural workers construct buildings up to 500 square metres without the need for a planning application. Currently farmers can erect up to 300 square metres without planning.

Minister for Social Development Alex Attwood said: "These proposals…will eliminate unnecessary red tape to enable agriculture to grow in a challenging economic climate. I want to help expand our agri- food business by 40% in the next few years. That is what producers tell me they hope to achieve – these changes can help the industry to do so.

"Increasing the range of agricultural development that no longer needs planning permission will make it easier for farmers to undertake development. But these changes strike an essential balance. They free up farmers to make improvements with safeguards to protect neighbours and ensure that development is of an appropriate scale and character."

The proposals will also allow the installation of structures of up to 500m2 to house anaerobic digestion plant on agricultural units. These processes use farm crops and animal waste to produce biogas as a renewable fuel.

These proposals are expected to become law in Spring 2013.

The Minister added: "I have said repeatedly that renewable energy and technology is our single biggest economic opportunity. This is why I am working hard to get planning better fit for purpose with more renewable approvals which will help our economy and meet Executive Renewable Energy targets."

The consultation runs until 18 January 2013.

(IT)