With government policy pushing local authorities to deliver new homes and stimulate economic growth, planning permission for farmland has become one of the biggest opportunities for UK landowners.
Farmland on the edge of towns and villages may hold significant untapped potential. While agricultural land typically sells for £8,000–£12,000 per acre, securing residential planning permission for farmland can increase its value by 30 to 50 times. The challenge lies in navigating the planning system strategically and positioning your land for success.
So how does the planning system work, and how can you maximise your chances of securing valuable planning consent on your land?
Drawing on decades of experience working with farmers and landowners across the UK, we’ve broken the process down into six key steps.
1. Get Your Land Assessed for Planning Permission
The first step in securing planning permission for farmland is a professional land appraisal. We offer a no-obligation assessment, typically completed within 24 hours.
Land located on the edge of a settlement is usually the most attractive to local authorities, as councils look to expand towns and villages to meet government housing targets. Sites close to existing infrastructure, services and transport links are particularly valuable.
Ideally, your land will not be within the green belt or other protected designations. While planning permission is not impossible in these areas, policy restrictions can limit development potential. However, if you own newly classified grey belt land, planning permission may still be achievable if specific criteria are met.
2. Size Matters When Seeking Planning Permission for Farmland
Local authorities often require a minimum of three acres for land to be considered for allocation within a Local Plan. Requirements vary by council, and we can confirm eligibility for your specific location.
That said, land quality is rarely a deal-breaker. Fallow or low-yield farmland can still secure planning permission, particularly where developers are willing to undertake remediation works. In many cases, developers absorb these costs to make a site viable.
3. Don’t Delay – Timing Is Critical
The Labour government has committed to delivering 1.5 million new homes, and councils urgently need land to meet these targets. This creates a significant opportunity for landowners considering planning permission for farmland.
The planning process is complex, involving detailed evidence, technical reports and policy compliance. Success depends on demonstrating that your land is suitable, available and deliverable.
Our role is to promote your land strategically, ensuring it stands out when councils review their Local Plans. Effective land promotion can take several months, but it dramatically improves your chances of securing planning consent.
4. Local Planning Targets Create Opportunity
Local authorities face increasing pressure to meet mandatory housing supply targets. From 1 July 2026, councils operating under older housing requirements must add an additional year’s supply to their five-year land pipeline.
To achieve this, councils are actively searching for viable development sites. Landowners who proactively seek planning permission for farmland can ensure their land is considered at the right time — before opportunities pass.
5. Take Expert Advice on Planning Permission for Farmland
Securing planning permission and selling land for development is time-consuming and resource-intensive. For most landowners, becoming a planning expert isn’t realistic.
That’s where professional land promotion makes the difference. We manage the entire process — from land appraisal and planning strategy through to securing consent and negotiating a sale — at no upfront cost to you.
6. Unlock the True Value of Your Farmland
If you’re considering planning permission for farmland, expert guidance can significantly increase both your chances of success and the final value achieved.
We’ve helped landowners across the UK unlock the development potential of their land. If you’re thinking about your options, start with a free assessment and discover whether your land could be suitable for development.
Get in touch today to explore the potential of your farmland.
