Planning policy reform needed to stimulate rural economy

It highlighted the following areas that need reform:

• Avoiding wasted expenditure. The CLA said increasing demands for reports and surveys is increasing the cost of planning applications, resulting in essential development projects being delayed or abandoned.
• The removal of the Community Infrastructure Levy on all new farm buildings. Local authorities can impose the levy on new farm buildings. The CLA argues that unlike the building of commercial units or housing, most farm buildings are not built to increase the capital value of the farm, but for long-term use. It cites the example of a proposed £150,000 charge for a Norfolk fruit farm which made the investment unviable.
• Introduce a national plan which promotes the conversion of roadside barns which are no longer suitable for agricultural use to residential use.

The CLA also argues there should be a more flexible approach to local authority local plans and better resourcing of the national planning system.

Jonathan Roberts, director of external affairs at the CLA, said: “A planning system that acts to restrict economic growth in rural areas

effects a drag on national economic growth, leading to a failure to meet the Government’s objectives.

“But a clear and definitive policy towards greater diversification, and acceptance by all of the need for a broader economy in rural areas, could lead to real long-term benefits for the economy.”