Pragmatic farmers tend to take a practical approach

LOCATING a proposed new building in the correct location within the farmyard is critical according to Denis, Farm Building Adviser of AGDesign (Agri Design & Planning Services).

“Farmers by their nature are pragmatic and often take a practical approach and have a good general idea of what they want to achieve with the proposed new building. When we call to a farmyard, the first thing we do is discuss with the farmer what it is they want to accomplish with the new building.

“We then survey the entire farmyard and get a general overview of the farming system.

“When designing, for example, a new easy feed, slatted livestock house, locating it in the correct place is very important. In deciding where to put it you need to consider the present situation - proximity to other buildings, cow movement, how far the silage need to be drawn from to feed the cows, machinery movement etc.

“Considering the future is also very important, will the new building help or hinder if you decide to expand numbers in the future? Often we have been in farmyards where relatively recently constructed buildings are causing consternation for the farmers plans to expand.

“Matching headspace, slurry capacity, cubicles numbers etc. are all factors to be taken into consideration when designing a new livestock unit.

“Good ventilation is vital for animal health and can be relatively easily achieved on a stand-alone shed, but can require some thought when the new shed is to be constructed adjacent to existing buildings. Good ventilation is strictly enforced when applying for TAMS grant aid.

“Contrary to popular belief, grafting a new shed onto existing stanchions is permissible under TAMS, although it is not recommended. For this to be acceptable, the existing stanchions must be in good condition and be correctly sized for the existing building and proposed building. PLANNING TAKES TIME: From the date of submission, planning permission will take a minimum of three to four months.

TAMS 2 opens in tranches – when you receive your full grant of planning permission you can make your application. If applying early in a tranche, you may have to wait four months for that tranche to close before the department begins to process you application.

Therefore farmers may have to wait up to 12 months before they start their building- more if complications arise.