While (farm) size is sometimes important, we all know it isn’t everything.  It’s the way it’s used that is crucial.  So it is with the acreage of a holding.

So initially I was very concerned when a new enquiry came in from a landowning horticulturalist who had a 12 acre holding that already had two occupational dwellings, and wanted a third.  He had already used one planning consultant to try to get this for him, but he had got a refusal.  The consultant had recommended that he should not appeal, as he was “…bound to lose”.
The question was, could I look over the case, and see what I thought?

My initial thoughts were “no chance”.  But I agreed to look at it, and discussed it with a different planning consultant.  We agreed a different approach, and I embarked on the preparation of a re-worked appraisal of their business.  I have to say that I became more and more impressed with the business, which includes 6 acres of glass, and produces a vast number of brassica seedlings and lettuce each year.

We were not surprised to find that the planning officers were once again recommending for a refusal of the application.  But our approach was different to that of the first application, in that we ensured full engagement of local councillors, and we managed to get it in front of the District planning committee at which I spoke, along with our client.

The result was an (almost) unanimous acceptance of the proposal by the committee.  We have a very contented client, who approached the application exactly as we suggested.  This example shows the importance of good teamwork, and why you should not always allow yourself to be defeated by the officials.

Contact Charles at charlesholt@fcgagric.com or your local FCG office for help on any planning issues.