When planning the development of your farming business, it is vital to get the right infrastructure in place. We can help guide you for projects on your farm such as reservoirs / irrigation pools, farm tracks, farm yards, farm drives, muck and slurry storage and new farmyards.
Is planning permission required?
Full planning permission is not usually required for smaller, on-farm reservoirs. Permitted development rights exist for farm reservoirs, however, there are conditions and limitations depending on the circumstances of your farm which may prohibit you from making use of these Permitted Development rights. Large reservoirs will require an Environmental Impact Assessment and you should be considering local footpaths, fencing, signage and your public liability insurance. The Health and Safety Executive offer advice here https://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/ocs/800-899/847_10.htm
Agricultural farm tracks, yards and drives can be built under permitted development. However, much like permitted development for agricultural buildings, an application has to be first made to the council to determine whether their prior approval will be required for the siting and appearance. Therefore if the track is already started it can no longer be permitted development and the only way to regularise is with full planning permission.
It is for this reason that we recommend you seek the help and advice of a planning consultant from the start of your project. Get your strategy right and your ducks in a row. Before spending money on building works you should submit details of the proposed development to the local authority including the agricultural justification for the project.
Muck and Slurry storage planning applications are prevalent in the news at the moment with grants and planning applications being made and rejected. We recommend that you watch our webinar using the link below which may give you some helpful guidance.
Webinar - Expanding or building new slurry stores
What are the main factors to consider?
- Likelihood of flooding
- Highways safety and impact
- Landscape and visual impact
- Impact on public rights of way
- Impact on designations such as Green Belt or AONBs
- Noise impact
- Neighbour amenity
- Ecology
Other factors to consider include Design, Materials, Scale, Use, Siting and Drainage.
Budget: The range can differ depending on complexity, design requirement and size etc. As a ballpark, if you want to use a planning consultant for your agricultural application then you should be budgeting £1000 to £2000.
Timescale: For a permitted development you should estimate 8 to 12 weeks, full planning application approx 20 weeks.
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