Permitted Development Rights Consultation - England only

The CLA has responded to a Government consultation on proposed changes to permitted development rights. The consultation focussed specifically on permitted development rights relating to housing delivery, the agricultural sector, high streets, and open prisons with our response specifically focussing on the categories that will have an impact on the rural economy. The consultation proposes greater opportunities for the change of use of agricultural buildings and further rural buildings to residential and commercial uses including the proposal to enable the Class Q permitted development rights in Article 2(3) land. In addition, the consultation proposes to increase the amount of development available through permitted development rights for agricultural and forestry development.

The consultation also included a call for evidence on planning barriers on nature-based solutions, farm efficiency projects and farm diversification. The CLA is pleased that member examples were able to be used as case studies that will hopefully inform further consultations on new amendments and flexibilities in the planning system. The CLA’s response to this consultation and call for evidence was informed by discussions with members on our Business and Rural Economy Committee.