The UK government has recently implemented new permitted development (PD) rights, allowing unused farm buildings to be transformed into homes, shops, cafes, and sports facilities without the usual bureaucratic hurdle of obtaining a planning application. This move is part of a broader initiative under the government’s Long-term Plan for Housing, which was unveiled last July.
Under the new PD rights, farmers can now repurpose their disused structures into vibrant new living spaces or community-serving establishments effortlessly. The aim is to bolster the housing stock and generate employment opportunities in rural areas, where development has traditionally been constrained by stringent planning laws. Since April 2014, a modest tally of 5,000 homes have emerged on farm land, a figure that this policy hopes to significantly improve.
Expanding Opportunities
Additionally, the policy includes an expansion of the scope and scale of permissible farm building developments. For larger farms spanning over 5 hectares, the allowable construction area for new agricultural buildings has surged by 500 square meters, setting the new limit at 1,500 square meters. Smaller farms, those under 5 hectares, also benefit with an increased cap of 1,250 square meters, up by 250 square meters.
Extensions to existing farm buildings are now easier as well, with the volume allowance for such extensions rising to 25% from the previous 20%, without needing prior approval.
Industry Voices Applaud the Changes
The response from the agricultural and planning communities has been overwhelmingly positive. Aidan Van de Weyer, a senior planner at Lanpro, praised the reforms for introducing much-needed flexibility to the utilisation of rural buildings. He noted that these changes would not only accommodate new residents but also bolster local businesses, which in turn supports the sustainability and vitality of countryside communities.
Rachel Hallos, vice president of the National Farmers’ Union, emphasised the significance of these changes for the agricultural sector. She remarked that the new laws would “greatly support the modernisation, expansion and diversification of farms across the country,” offering farmers vital opportunities to diversify their operations, pursue additional income streams, and enhance their contributions to the local rural economy.