The current planning regime is preventing growth in the countryside – for farmers and growers and their businesses, but also the wider economy.
The NFU wants to hear about members’ specific experiences with the planning system to help us build a robust evidence base to underpin our lobbying work on planning.
Restricting business growth
We know the planning system restricts the ability of members’ businesses to grow. It imposes significant constraints that limit the ability of farmers and growers to adapt, diversify, and invest in their businesses.
Excessive delays, inconsistent decision-making, and restrictive policies all work to undermine the ability of farming and growing businesses to produce food and hinder rural growth across the country.
We know the horticulture sector – where large glasshouse developments are often treated as major infrastructure projects, triggering lengthy approval processes – and the poultry sector – where high welfare, storing environmental performance and traceability depend on modern buildings – are particularly affected.
“The NFU is urging government to ensure the planning system supports future growth and provides long-term business resilience and viability.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
Help shape our planning work
Let us know about your planning experiences in our short 3-minute survey.
But the planning system can have a serious impact on all types of agricultural businesses, restricting the ability to invest and directly impacting on competitiveness and food security.
If the government is serious about food security being national security, then farming and growing businesses must be able to invest and modernise so they can meet animal welfare and environmental requirements and become more resilient.
Clearer more streamlined planning system
The NFU has welcomed many of the proposals in the draft National Planning Policy Framework. The intention to deliver a clearer, more streamlined planning system that reduces duplication and supports investment is a positive step.
To back British farming and support the contribution of agricultural businesses to the wider economy and UK food security, the blockages and challenges currently faced across the planning system must be addressed.
Let us know about your planning experiences in our short 3-minute survey.
Take part
Lobbying for growth in rural Britain
We are planning a series of lobbying events, including industry collaborations and ministerial roundtables, in the months ahead. Your input will help provide examples of what has worked, what hasn’t and how the system can be improved.