Rural Land Use Planning

Diversification

As their incomes have come under increasing pressure, farmers have been forced to look at other options for managing their businesses, such as:

new farming enterprises
agricultural contracting
off-farm income
enroling into agri-environment schemes
re-use of farm buildings
added value

Research has shown that over 50% of farmers now rely on income from diversified activities to varying degrees. Others have been willing to sell land for other developments.

The wish to use of farm buildings for diversified enterprises, and the application of planning controls in rural areas is an example of a possible conflict in rural policies.

A common factor in many plans is the need to obtain planning approval - an area usually unfamiliar to farmers because farm buildings are typically not covered by planning regulations.

Almost by definition, farmer-led developments are usually in rural areas. Planning authorities are careful to ensure that the qualities of the countryside are not threatened by developments. This can restrict farmers' plans and their ability to adjust to the new economic environment. This possible constraint has been recognised by the Countryside Agency and by the Cabinet Office in their Rural Economies report (December 1999). The softening of the line on developments by farmers and on the application of PPG7 on developments affecting Best and Most Versatile land are welcome in this respect.

Farm Woodland/Forestry

The government has indicated a wish to see the area of land under trees to double, although no timescale has been set. As farming becomes less profitable in marginal areas, woodland and forestry may be seen by some as a viable alternative. If land prices drop, as many expect, new types of landowners may emerge. These may be environmental organisations (e.g. RSPB, Wildlife Trusts) or wealthy individuals. What they share is a lower dependence on incomes from farming and a higher priority on environmental and amenity values. For many, woodland may have a role to play in their land management plans.

One exciting area for development is New Wildwoods – extensive mosaics of native woodlands and other land uses where natural processes are given greater freedom. Asken has looked into the possibilities for the Woodland Policy Group.

At the same time, foresters have begun to realise the potential for forests to be used for access and recreation. Forest Enterprise has been at the leading edge and has accumulated a lot of experience in managing woodland for such purposes. Asken has helped them organise this experience and make it accessible using a sophisticated intranet-based data management system.

If you wish to know more about the trends in farming incomes, the pressures for diversification and the forms that this is taking, contact Asken.

Last Update 05/07