Considering a farm building?

Guidelines for farm building development

Developing new agricultural buildings can provide fresh revenue streams and opportunities for farmers, but what is and what is not in your favour, and when is time to pursue planning consent?

THERE are a number of design points and standards to consider when planning a farm building development.

• National guidance on the minimum standards for the design and construction of all agricultural buildings is provided in British Standard BS 5502 ‘Buildings and Structures for Agriculture’.
• Designations like Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Areas of Great Landscape Value and Conservation Areas affect consent.
• Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) will impact upon the design and layout of farm buildings and ancillary structures.
• ‘Semi natural’ wildlife habitats like unimproved grassland, heathland, woodland and watercourses receive special protection.
• If a new building obstructs, or affects a public right of way across land, this must be highlighted and an alternate route suggested.
• A new building must be designed and sited to allow adequate access for livestock and machinery.
• Steel portal framed buildings are the industry standard, areas of roof, roof pitch, eaves heights and colour and type of roof and side cladding will be carefully considered by the Planning Authority.
• Well-planned buildings with properly designed ventilation rates must also be included if necessary.
• Employers, building owners and occupiers may have to produce a fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
• For outdoor feed and grain bins, many authorities now prefer the use of factory-coated galvanised steel to reduce visual impact on the landscape.
• The development of silage clamps, slurry stores and fuel oil storage must adhere strictly to the Silage, Slurry and Fuel Regulations and the Water Code.

Thanks for the Farmers Guardian for these guild lines. Original article can be found here