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North East farms are covered by the same national planning regulations as other types of land and buildings, however some planning rules include special conditions for certain agricultural buildings and land.

You need planning permission if you want to change how you use the land or buildings from farming to something different or you want to build a house or other development on the land.

Basic permitted development rights exist for small farms under 5 hectares, such as for extending an existing building or creating hard standing. If your farm is 5 hectares or more you have greater rights to erect, extend or alter a building and carry out excavations / engineering operations needed for agricultural purposes.

You may still require approval for certain details of the development so it is always best to consult a professional.

Examples of permitted development include:

• temporary uses of land
• agricultural buildings within size limits

There must be an existing agricultural trade or business in operation on the land in order for the farmer or landowner to benefit from permitted development rights.

Farm Diversification has been supported by the UK planning system for many years. The re-use of redundant or surplus buildings or land of low productivity can open new sources of revenue for the farmer that does not rely on the day-to-day agricultural enterprise. This can create new jobs and allow new business opportunities for  younger generations and family members.

Farm diversification can come in many forms such as:

• Farm shops
• Wedding venues
• Holiday lets
• Camping and glamping sites
• Light industrial or commercial workshop units 
• Dog activity centres 
• Renewable energy projects
• Residential conversions

It is important to understand at an early stage in the project whether full planning permission for change of use is required or whether pd rights can be used.

Many sites that offer farm diversification opportunities are located within the open countryside, where planning permission for new dwellings is contrary to policy and difficult to obtain. In addition, if a site is located within the Green Belt, a conservation area, a national park or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is further restricted by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and various measures shall need to be taken to ensure the development is acceptable.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss any farm development ideas you have or would like assistance in dealing with any form of paperwork or prior notification submissions required by the local authority, we are happy to help.

If you have any other questions, try our FAQs, guides or send us an email.