Paul Madeley, from Shropshire-based Madeleys Chartered Surveyors, believes the planning process is putting off farming and rural businesses from working on new projects when they need to be considering their future directions
It comes as housing secretary Robert Jenrick backs a report from think tank Policy Exchange calling for reform in the planning system and what he calls an “overly bureaucratic planning process”.
His comments follow ongoing promises to “radically reform” the planning system, with extensions to permitted development rights and new zoning-style permission in principle, which could significantly reduce councils’ influence on the process.
As the Agriculture Bill draws ever closer, which will be the biggest shake-up to how farms are funded for generations, Madeley says it is vital that rural businesses are not hamstrung if they want to diversify some of their land or buildings in order to keep a sustainable business for the future post-EU subsidies.
He said: “Some of the decisions being made up and down the country are extremely frustrating. It seems that as soon as there is any objection from a consultee, then it is likely an application would get refused.
“I would be in support of some change to the planning process.”
“I’m not saying it should be a free-for-all, of course, there has to be protection of our habitat and environment, but there also has to be some common sense.”
“You just get the feeling that the system is looking for grounds to refuse, rather than the other way around.”
Madeley added: “If you are converting old farm buildings into residential, then surely that has to be better than developing whole new homes on untouched land? These buildings are already there, they just need the work to be given the nod.
“So many farmers are giving up on this kind of thing because they get so frustrated by delays and red tape in the planning process.”
