Agricultural planning policy change ‘will benefit rural farmers’

Posted 08/01/2010

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has welcomed a governmental planning policy change which is set to make it easier for rural farmers to undertake land developments.

Lobbying from the union has led to an amendment in laws which previously deemed rural areas without public transportation links as unsustainable.

Under the newly revised policy, such areas have now been afforded equal status.

NFU deputy president Meurig Raymond welcomed the legal change, which he described as being more sensitive to the realities of rural agriculture.

He said the union will continue to lobby for the government to give greater recognition to the role played by rural farming in the overall economy.

Mr Raymond said: “We are hopeful that farmers and growers will receive a more positive response from local authorities when they apply for permission for new agricultural buildings or propose farm diversification projects.”

Last month, the NFU raised concerns that proposed price hikes for new Environment Agency-mandated permits for farmers will harm agricultural business.