Environment

Not all farm diversification schemes require planning permission. For example diversifying into other forms of agricultural activity. However, schemes involving diversification out of agriculture into an alternative economic activity are more likely to require planning permission.

Examples include:

• The construction of new buildings for non-agricultural purposes.
• Significant extensions and/or alterations to a building.
• Changing the use of land or a building to a use other than for agriculture even if there are no structural alterations.
• Improvements to existing access arrangements and the formation of parking areas.
• Tearooms, livery stables & equestrian facilities.

The requirement for planning permission for diversification activities such as setting up bed & breakfast accommodation and food processing will be dependent upon the scale and nature of the operation proposed.

We therefore recommend that you contact your local planning office before commencing any diversification project in order to check whether planning permission is required.