In its submission to the Scottish Government's planning review, NFU Scotland has expressed the need for permitted development rights to be extended to larger farm sheds to reflect the needs of modern agricultural businesses.
The Union has also requested that permitted development rights be extended to traditional farm steadings for conversion to residential and small business use. This could provide farmers with an additional income stream, whilst safeguarding rural heritage and play a valuable role in assisting towards the shortfall of housing in rural areas.
Jamie Smart, Legal and Technical Committee Chairman, said: "The union has extensively consulted with its membership on this matter, and it is clear that the current allowance of 465 sq. metres for farm sheds allowed under permitted development is no longer reflective of agricultural needs today.
"We have asked Scottish Government to consider extending this to 1,000 sq. metres to help provide resilience to the farming sector, and to ensure the legislation is reflective of modern machinery sizes."
Mr Smart went on: "Members also reported encountering issues with planning officers who have an urban focus and do not appear to understand agriculture. The continuing application of Section 75 occupancy restrictions on farmhouses has also been raised as an issue. once these are in place they are very difficult to remove, and as properties tied by these cannot be borrowed against they can have a real effect on the farm businesses' ability to raise finance. They can prove a substantial hurdle for farm succession too, precluding the younger generation from coming back to farms where there is limited accommodation.
"We have also raised the grey area of polytunnels in this consultation. NFUS has been working with Scottish Government to try to protect its soft fruit growers from a requirement for full planning permission."
Market round-up
Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 153 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1210 per head and 257.8p per kg to average £870.16 and 223.7p (+6.2p on the week), while 279 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1325 and 279.1p to level at £908.76 and 239.9p (+13.2p). Thirty-two store, B&W bullocks sold to £930 and 197.9p to average £601.72 and 142.6p.
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 5169 prime hoggs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £230 and £198 per head for two pens of heavyweight Texel tup hoggs and 317p per kg for Beltex to average 177.6p (+1.2p).
A smaller show of 2224 cast sheep saw heavy ewes sell to £164 for Texels and average £82.83 (-£6.96), while light ewes peaked at £75 for Blackfaces and levelled at £47.28 (-69p).
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