This Policy is currently under review by:
Draft PPS14-Sustainable development in the countryside

This policy has been superseded by:
PPS4-Industrial Development insofar as it applies to industrial development.178KB. This is currently under review by:
Draft PPS4 (Industry Business & Distribution). 118KB

To facilitate agricultural diversification subject to normal planning considerations

Continued long-term rationalisation and restructuring of the agricultural industry is inevitable, particularly in response to the changing basis of the agricultural policy of the European Community. Nevertheless most of the countryside will continue to be farmed, even if many holdings will provide only part-time employment.Agricultural diversification offers the possibility of maintaining or increasing farm income and employment. Diversification could take a number of forms, not all of which would require planning permission. Where permission is required, the Planning Service will approve appropriate proposals which do not have unacceptable impacts on the countryside. On-farm employment. diversification involves the redeployment of farm resources. The type of activities which could be developed include value-added agricultural products, unconventional produce, forestry, tourism and recreation - see policy AG3