Colin Muller, Chief Executive, Muller Property Group

Last month, I wrote an article that was featured in Farmers Weekly. It focuses on the six main steps that landowners need to take if they want to gain residential housing consent for agricultural land.  We have produced significant results by achieving land allocations and planning approvals for employment, housing and community uses which can increase the value of land by 30, 40 or even 50 times its normal value of £8,000 to £12,000 per acre.

So, how can farmers and landowners ensure that they have the best possible chance of gaining planning consent for their land?  My article highlighted the crucial steps needed to be followed to ensure that their land meets the criteria.  Other key insights include the fact that the criteria for consideration is a minimum size of three acres and that one of the most important things is to avoid unnecessary delays in getting a proposal in front of the local authority.

Another new element for farmers and land owners to consider is how potential opportunities could be influenced by the relative performance of their local authority, as defined by the Housing Delivery Test.  Timing is crucial, particularly in relation to making the Council aware of available land when they announce a review of their Local Plan (which we know happens every 20 years).

Six Steps to Planning Success for Farmland

We’ve been helping farmers and landowners to maximise the value of their land for almost 20 years and it’s good to share our specialist advice and help. You can see the full article in Farmers Weekly.