Key planning officers, planning committee members and parish councillors are being sent a specially designed leaflet, explaining what the issues are and offering them a day out on a farm to experience first-hand how they work. The leaflet also outlines the economic importance of the industry and highlights what can be done to make the process easier.
The campaign has been put together by environment adviser Paul Cottington and graduate Rachel Hibberd and was launched in response to concerns from members that the planning process is often unduly bureaucratic, expensive and time-consuming and that many local authorities lack understanding about the planning needs of a farm – for instance, having to provide housing for workers or retirement properties to secure farm succession, or the need to improve facilities like slurry storage and livestock accommodation.
A short video featuring farmers across the region talking about their experiences with the planning system has been produced and can be viewed at https://youtu.be/MKBQkzZ8fuM.
Authorities are being asked to:
• Make a decision on applications promptly and without undue cost
• Realise that supporting farm diversification can help grow the local economy
• Recognise that investment is required to meet environmental standards
• Understand how lengthy planning delays particularly affect tenants and contractors
You can download a copy of the leaflet by clicking on 'related documents' below.