NFU favours easier planning rules

The size of agricultural buildings which can be erected under Permitted Development Rights (PDR) is set to more than double under new planning regulations which will come into force on April 1.

PDR relate to minor, uncontroversial developments or changes associated with existing developments and reduce the burden on applicants and planningauthorities toapplyfor planning permission.

The updates will include changes to the size limit on agricultural sheds (from 465sqmto1000sqm),andtothe definition of significant extension/alteration which is being increased to 20% of the cubic content of a building.

The conversion of agricultural and forestry buildings constructed before November 4, 2019 to residential and commercial use means up to five dwellings (houses or flats) and 500sqm flexible commercial space, respectively will also be allowed.

Peatland restoration projects will also be permitted to proceed without applying for planning permission, and PDR for connectivityinfrastructurehas been introduced to help connectivity issues.

Welcoming the moves NFU Scotland reminded producerstheneedtoapply forpriorapprovalatanearly stage for any PDR projects still applied.

“Theincreaseinshedfloor areaunderpermitteddevelopment to 1000sqm is a really big win for NFUS and will help farmers wishing to build farm infrastructure that is reflective of the needs of modern industry,” said the union’s head of policy, Gemma Cooper

And she addedthatitwouldhelptobring redundant buildings back into use.