I recently worked with some clients near Broadway who ran a substantial farming business on rented land and buildings. Through no fault of their own they lost the access to the rented buildings.
They retained the rented land and bought 60 acres but needed agricultural buildings to make the business viable. One of the main constraints of the site was that it was within the Cotswolds AONB which needed a good deal of input from us, and others, to ensure we could demonstrate that the impact on the AONB would be minimal. We took on board comments from within the Council and other parties who had an interest in the area.
We managed to get three useful sized cattle, storage and workshop buildings approved and allowed our clients to establish their new farming base. My clients farming enterprise continued to expand over the next few years. With a large proportion of the farming income derived from sheep production, they needed to spread the business risk and seek alternative farming incomes. After much research and business planning they identified that a modern, efficient calf and cattle rearing enterprise would be most profitable on the small area.
With this growing enterprise, alongside their existing farming business, we identified a need for an Agricultural Workers Dwelling on site. I am happy to say that this planning application was also successful. My clients now have a base from which to run their successful business, benefitting from excellent farm buildings and a farmhouse.
So, not only can they be present for the day-to-day management of the holding, they will also provide their young family with a farming business to aspire to run in the future. In conclusion, when you are considering your planning application, think about your long-term strategy. What is your ultimate goal? This is where the role of a planning consultant can save you money in the long run.
Angela Cantrill BSc (Hons) MRICS FAAV
