Charles Holt (Lincoln)

There are many ways of adding value to a piece of land, but one of the best is to gain planning permission for a dwelling on it.  Usually, a piece of land as small as six acres is regarded as not being big enough to achieve this, but on occasions, and if the arguments are presented correctly, it can be.

This is what we have done for a client in the East Midlands who came to us looking for exactly this, around seven years ago.  Firstly, we had to establish that there was a case for a temporary dwelling on the holding.  In fact, while they only own six acres, they do rent substantially more.  The security of this rented land was important in establishing the case, as of course was the extent of the cattle enterprise they run.

This case was a crucial first step in the family achieving a temporary log cabin on the farmstead, to look after their growing suckler cow breeding and embryo transfer business.  They also grow arable crops, and operate a contracting service, from their base.

However, it is only the cattle enterprise that can justify the dwelling.  Persuading the local planning authority of the size, profitability and labour requirements of the cattle was the main job at hand.

Once the temporary dwelling permission was achieved, three and a half years ago, the work on the farm had to progress as had been planned, with cow numbers increasing, further cattle buildings being erected, and profitability being assured.  None of that was easy.

The reward has just been announced, with planning permission granted for a permanent dwelling on the farm. While there is of course an agricultural occupancy condition attached, this is a huge win for the family.  Now they can live on their farm, near their cattle, to maximise their welfare and the business’ profitability.  And of course, they have the great benefit of being able to build a house on their small farm.

If you have a need or desire to add value and welfare improvements on a farm or piece of land, contact Charles at charlesholt@fcgagric.com or your local FCG Office.