One of the Government’s four main proposals is to create permitted development rights for change of use from buildings used for farming purposes to classes A (retail), B1 (office and light industrial), C1 (hotels) and D2 (assembly and leisure).
At present agricultural buildings are excluded from the permitted development regime. CPRE is concerned about the potential impacts on the countryside.
We’re worried that granting a blanket automatic right to change the use of existing farm buildings will bring new development pressure in rural areas, with visual impact and noise affecting the tranquillity of Sussex.
CPRE Sussex wants to see a sustainable future for the countryside. Allowing an automatic change of use risks new development in the wrong place that could cause unsustainable pollution by increased car use, harming local quality of life and contributing to climate change.
Uncoupling the use of a building from the farmland around it risks causing the land itself to be abandoned as productive agricultural use, increasing pressure for further inappropriate development in the countryside.
This would detract from its intrinsic character and beauty, a principle established in the revised National Planning Policy Framework. Whilst we want to encourage a healthy rural economy and assist farmers in challenging circumstances, we believe that the planning system is the right place to mediate between different interests and find a balance to ensure truly sustainable development.
The Government’s approach is also likely to be abused – planning permission for new agricultural buildings will be sought, with no intention to use the buildings for farming. The result could be unwanted landbanking and ultimately new housing development in the open countryside.
The consultation, “New Opportunities for sustainable development and growth through reuse of existing buildings”, is open for comments until 11 September 2012. A copy of the consultation document can be found at: www.communities.gov.uk/publications
Do you know of any farm buildings that have recently been converted to other uses, such a commercial and industrial, affecting the tranquillity of the countryside? If you do, please get in This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Article by Gerard Conway
