New government policy to streamline the planning process is helpful, but does not go far enough, according to the NFU.

The National Planning Policy Framework acknowledges the importance of the rural economy whilst continuing to appreciate the importance of protecting the countryside.

However, there have been significant caveats introduced on the original ‘presumption in favour of sustainable development’ that means it is far from the simplification of planning laws originally expected. NFU head of policy services Andrew Clark said: “For too long the rural economy has been overlooked and underserved by planning regulations.

“As far as the NPPF refers to the need to support a prosperous rural economy and provision for affordable homes in the countryside, we welcome the framework.

“While it is encouraging to see that local authorities will be expected to assess ‘the needs of the food production industry and any barriers to investment that planning can resolve’ we are disappointed that ministers have not made explicit a requirement act of this assessment and so plan for the needs of food production.

“Other sections in the NPPF appear to support a thriving and diverse rural economy, which the NFU called for, but again there appear to be substantial caveats in place for it not to be entirely positive.

“The section on protecting the natural environment reinforces the importance of taking appropriate regard to different designations is welcome, however farmers will be surprised that the NPPF provides planning status for Nature Improvement Areas and introduces the concept of ‘stepping stones’ and ‘wildlife corridors’ as part of the countryside hierarchy.

“In addition, the ‘new opportunity for local green space to be mapped in local and neighbourhood plans with protection equivalent to green belt land’ is extremely worrying. Overall, this document does improve on the previous planning policy, but it does not go far as we believe necessary to ensure that farming and horticulture can continue to develop its infrastructure and productive capacity to respond to the growing needs of the global population.”