The new NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) published on 17 August sets out the government’s planning policies.
The NFU supports NPPF reforms where the framework provides explicit support for agricultural development, rural businesses, and tourism. The NFU also welcomes reforms where there is a positive approach to sustainable rural development and the conversion of existing buildings to support farm viability, as this will bolster farm investment.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “One of the NFU’s long-term strategic asks has been for government to streamline the planning system as well as giving weighting for food production in the planning system alongside removing unnecessary barriers to make it easier to build farm infrastructure, so this refresh of the NPPF is welcome.”
The NFU is pleased to see that “substantial weight” to benefits for domestic food production, animal welfare and the environment which can be demonstrated through proposals for development for farm and agricultural modernisation is stated. This gives farmers a powerful material consideration when bringing forward infrastructure like livestock buildings, reservoirs or greenhouses.
Among the measures cited there were ‘improved accommodation for livestock, on-farm reservoirs, greenhouses, polytunnels, farm shops and temporary accommodation for seasonal workers’, as well as applications that ‘develop and diversify agricultural and other land-based businesses’.
“We need to get to a place where our planning system supports future growth and provides long-term business resilience and viability.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
Improving drought resilience
The NFU welcomes the reforms to the NPPF that provide greater support for on-farm reservoirs and streamline the planning process.
Tom said: “As we have seen this summer, on-farm water storage and the development of reservoirs is critical during times of drought for securing water supplies for food production and strengthening the resilience of farm businesses.” This is now supported in the NPPF.
The NFU will continue to work with Defra and MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) on the effectiveness of current rights, and updated planning practice guidance on PDRs (permitted development rights) for on-farm reservoirs is expected in September.
Direction needed for local implementation
The new framework introduces a clearer distinction between policies for plan-making and decision-making and reinforces the plan-led system.
Tom added that “we now need to build on the government’s momentum and see how these new national policies for decision making will be translated into positive planning decisions at the local level”.
Tom said: “We need to get to a place where our planning system supports future growth and provides long-term business resilience and viability, so farmers can continue to produce food for the nation alongside their work in protecting and enhancing the environment.”
The NFU supports clearer national policy and guidance to speed up and ensure more consistent decision-making at a local level.
Tom added: “The 2026 NPPF should now allow for our planning system to support future growth and provide long-term business resilience and viability as the policy is favourable for well-designed and sustainable agricultural development proposals.”
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