Planning permission can feel like a moving target, and the rules around appeals have just shifted in a way that catches people out. From our new recording setup, I’m joined by our Planning Director, Mel, to translate the latest farm planning changes into plain, practical steps you can use before you spend money or lose months to delay. If you’ve ever thought, “We’ll submit now and tidy it up later,” this conversation will make you rethink your entire approach.

We unpack the government’s appeal reforms and why they’re a double edged sword: the process should be quicker, but you may no longer be able to introduce fresh reports at appeal stage. That means your first submission has to be watertight, with the right evidence lined up early. We talk through the real world issues that tend to trigger objections and refusals noise, ecology, highways and heritage and how to plan for them so your application is strong enough to stand on its own.

Then we switch to opportunity mode. We dig into permitted development rights, especially Class R, and why it can be such a useful route for rural diversification and change of use in agricultural buildings. We also discuss the temporary campsite permitted development right (tents only) and how a staycation driven summer could turn a good field into a simple seasonal income stream, as long as you avoid the obvious pitfalls like flood risk.

If you’re weighing up whether to resubmit or appeal, or you want smarter ways to unlock value from farm buildings and land, this is for you. Subscribe, share with a farmer who’s stuck in planning, and leave us a review with the planning topic you want us to tackle next.

In this episode of the Farmers Planning Podcast, we’re diving into some of our latest and most interesting projects across East Anglia.

Join Guy, Mel, and Katie as we discuss:

• The rise of viticulture and how farmers are diversifying into vines, orchards, and specialist buildings.
• A tricky permitted development case refused on landscape grounds – and how we turned it around.
• The benefits of pre-applications for commercial projects, especially in the Green Belt.
• Tips for solar projects, grants, and timing your applications right.
• A successful commercial change of use application that overcame previous appeal refusals.
• Why now is a prime time to explore Class R permitted development rights for converting unused barns into commercial use.

Packed with practical advice, planning insights, and real-world examples, this episode is essential listening for farmers, landowners, and rural businesses looking to make the most of their assets.

Summer presents perfect timing for farm planning applications with higher approval rates during July-August when planning officers are in better moods.

• Farm storage planning is critical before harvest, with different crops requiring specific storage requirements
• Commercial buildings on farms can utilize permitted development rights for extensions similar to retail parks
• Recent projects include barn conversions, equestrian diversification, and commercial change of use applications
• Fruit storage requires surprising amounts of floor space for ventilation and proper temperature control
• Permitted development rights offer streamlined application processes compared to increasingly complex full planning applications
• Early consultation with planning agents helps identify the most advantageous permission route for farm projects
• Lead time for building construction should be considered to avoid groundwork during winter months

We're excited to announce our new Bailey people-carrying trailer which can hold up to 30 people and is available for clients applying to Foxes Rural for their events.