We talk honestly about what it’s like raising children on farms now, and why it feels less free than it did when we were growing up. We weigh up harvest pressure, social media comparison, and the real economics pushing farms towards diversification and away from pure food production. 

• more rules and tighter safety expectations shaping farm childhood 
• memories of harvest as a social family season versus today’s urgency 
• larger farm businesses and fewer small family farms changing succession pressure 
• diversification as the default way to make a farm pay in the UK 
• social media creating “Instagram vs reality” stress for farmers 
• instant replies and free advice expectations hitting small planning businesses 
• pride in rural upbringing, responsibility, and knowing where food comes from 
• how technology could reshape farming for the next generation 

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The fastest way to waste money on farm planning permission is to chase a single idea without a strategy. We’re joined by Morwenna, our farm planning consultant and CAD designer at Foxes Rural, to unpack what “thinking strategically” actually looks like when you’re trying to develop a farm, protect the core agricultural business, and build new income streams under real-world rural planning policy.

We talk through what happens when a client calls with big plans but no clear route, especially around succession or taking over a holding. Morwenna explains why a stage one appraisal matters, how we look at the whole site and its constraints, and why the order you do projects in can make or break your long-term goals. We also get honest about the most common question we hear: can you build a house on a piece of land? Despite national “build, build, build” headlines, local countryside policy often says otherwise unless there’s a genuine agricultural need.

From there we move into practical farm diversification ideas that are showing up again and again, from commercial storage to paddle courts inside redundant barns. We compare full planning applications with permitted development rights, including Class R, and why PD routes can sometimes avoid costly layers like ecology surveys. If you want a clearer farm planning strategy, fewer surprises, and a better chance of success, this conversation will help you plan the next move properly.

If you find this useful, please subscribe, share the episode with a farmer who’s weighing up a project, and leave us a review so more people can find the Farmers Planning Podcast.

www.foxesrural.co.uk

The hardest part of farm planning permission is rarely the drawings, the policy, or the application. It is the people sitting around the kitchen table.

In this episode we sit down as a husband-and-wife team running a farm business together and talk candidly about what actually happens when your colleague is also your partner. The shared days and shared wins are obvious. The friction is just as real — different personalities, different risk appetites, and decisions that carry years of family history.

We unpack what makes family farm businesses work when the farm is asset-rich but cash poor and everyone has a view on what should happen next. We cover aligning goals before money gets spent, splitting responsibilities so strengths are actually used, and why naming a clear leader for each project stops decisions dragging on for months.

We move into succession through a practical lens: bringing the next generation into leadership early enough to build momentum, while still drawing on the older generation who have lived through the harder market cycles.

Then we turn to opportunity. If you have older buildings, hardstanding, or a yard that is no longer earning, there is often real rural planning potential sitting there unused. We discuss conversions, diversified uses, why pace matters, and when leasing a venture is a smarter first move than transferring assets or carrying the cost yourself.

If you are working through diversification, succession, or a tricky family decision around rural development, subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review.

What would you align first on your farm — goals, roles, or leadership?

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Planning permission can feel like a moving target, and the rules around appeals have just shifted in a way that catches people out. From our new recording setup, I’m joined by our Planning Director, Mel, to translate the latest farm planning changes into plain, practical steps you can use before you spend money or lose months to delay. If you’ve ever thought, “We’ll submit now and tidy it up later,” this conversation will make you rethink your entire approach.

We unpack the government’s appeal reforms and why they’re a double edged sword: the process should be quicker, but you may no longer be able to introduce fresh reports at appeal stage. That means your first submission has to be watertight, with the right evidence lined up early. We talk through the real world issues that tend to trigger objections and refusals noise, ecology, highways and heritage and how to plan for them so your application is strong enough to stand on its own.

Then we switch to opportunity mode. We dig into permitted development rights, especially Class R, and why it can be such a useful route for rural diversification and change of use in agricultural buildings. We also discuss the temporary campsite permitted development right (tents only) and how a staycation driven summer could turn a good field into a simple seasonal income stream, as long as you avoid the obvious pitfalls like flood risk.

If you’re weighing up whether to resubmit or appeal, or you want smarter ways to unlock value from farm buildings and land, this is for you. Subscribe, share with a farmer who’s stuck in planning, and leave us a review with the planning topic you want us to tackle next.

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In this episode of the Farmers Planning Podcast, we’re diving into some of our latest and most interesting projects across East Anglia.

Join Guy, Mel, and Katie as we discuss:

• The rise of viticulture and how farmers are diversifying into vines, orchards, and specialist buildings.
• A tricky permitted development case refused on landscape grounds – and how we turned it around.
• The benefits of pre-applications for commercial projects, especially in the Green Belt.
• Tips for solar projects, grants, and timing your applications right.
• A successful commercial change of use application that overcame previous appeal refusals.
• Why now is a prime time to explore Class R permitted development rights for converting unused barns into commercial use.

Packed with practical advice, planning insights, and real-world examples, this episode is essential listening for farmers, landowners, and rural businesses looking to make the most of their assets.

www.foxesrural.co.uk

Summer presents perfect timing for farm planning applications with higher approval rates during July-August when planning officers are in better moods.

• Farm storage planning is critical before harvest, with different crops requiring specific storage requirements
• Commercial buildings on farms can utilize permitted development rights for extensions similar to retail parks
• Recent projects include barn conversions, equestrian diversification, and commercial change of use applications
• Fruit storage requires surprising amounts of floor space for ventilation and proper temperature control
• Permitted development rights offer streamlined application processes compared to increasingly complex full planning applications
• Early consultation with planning agents helps identify the most advantageous permission route for farm projects
• Lead time for building construction should be considered to avoid groundwork during winter months

We're excited to announce our new Bailey people-carrying trailer which can hold up to 30 people and is available for clients applying to Foxes Rural for their events.

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What happens when farming meets the complex world of modern planning regulations? At the half-year mark, we're exploring the evolving landscape of agricultural planning applications across Essex, Suffolk, Cambridge, and Kent.

The introduction of new inheritance tax rules has significantly impacted how farming families approach their business structures. We're witnessing an increase in strategy meetings where the key questions revolve around optimizing existing buildings, dividing assets effectively, and exploring the income potential of various permitted changes. Every farm and family brings unique circumstances to the table, requiring tailored planning solutions.

We've observed a concerning disconnect between planning authorities and agricultural realities. Modern farming machinery has grown substantially in size, necessitating wider entrances and more substantial infrastructure than previous generations required. Yet planning officers—particularly those from urban-focused councils—frequently prioritize ecological considerations without recognizing that the countryside must function as a working landscape. The implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain requirements has further complicated matters, especially for farm access applications.

Permitted Development rights continue to offer the most straightforward path through the planning system. We strongly recommend maximizing these opportunities wherever possible—for tracks, yards, barns, commercial extensions, and residential conversions. The increased allowance of 1,500 square metres for agricultural buildings presents valuable opportunities, while Class Q residential conversions have seen greater success following legislative changes that have expanded eligibility to include modern portal frame buildings.

One fascinating aspect we've discovered is how drastically planning regulations differ internationally. Compared to American farmers who enjoy significantly more freedom to build on their rural land, UK agricultural businesses face a uniquely challenging regulatory environment that requires strategic navigation.

Have you encountered planning obstacles on your farm? Share your experiences with us and discover how maximizing your permitted development rights could unlock new opportunities for your agricultural business.

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Unlock the potential lying dormant in your farm! We're your hosts, Guy and Mel from Foxes Rural, and in the latest instalment of the Farmers Planning Podcast, we're thrilled to spill the beans on the transformative legislative changes impacting agricultural planning. Imagine expanding your operations and diversifying like never before—all thanks to the recent shake-up in permitted development rights for new agricultural buildings. Mel, our savvy planning director, is here to guide you through the maze of new opportunities, from understanding the increased size limits for new structures to the eased restrictions on small extensions.

Get ready to explore the possibilities of converting your agricultural buildings into bustling commercial and residential spaces. Mel breaks down the intricate details of amended Class R and Class Q, revealing how you can now increase your commercial space by an incredible 50% and craft new dwelling options for residential conversions. We're keen to discuss how these changes might pave the way for a more prosperous future for your farming business. So, if you're eager to learn how these legislative updates can serve as a springboard for your agricultural endeavours, you won't want to miss a minute of this episode.

www.foxesrural.co.uk

Get ready to navigate the maze of farm building permissions with experts Guy and Mal from Foxes Rural, who join us to share their wealth of experience. Discover how to unlock the potential of permitted development rights, allowing for up to 1000 square meters of new buildings every two years, and learn the savvy strategies to construct multiple edifices within this period, even across different land parcels. Our conversation ventures beyond the blueprint, contemplating the impact of building close to roads or airports and how to maximize your rights before any policy changes.

This episode is a treasure trove for farmers and those interested in agricultural development, as we discuss the intricacies of securing livestock building development rights and the benefits of choosing the right materials to satisfy even the most discerning planning officers. With practical advice from Guy and Mal, uncover how to employ permitted development rights effectively, from farm shops to worker accommodations. The art of 'banking' permissions for future projects and the clever use of land to fully utilize allowed floor areas biennially are just a snippet of the insights waiting for you. Join us and empower your farm with the structures it needs to thrive.

www.foxesrural.co.uk

Tune in to our latest podcast episode featuring Guy French and Melanie Bingham Wallis from Foxes Rural Ltd! 🎙️🚜 They'll walk you through the process of securing planning permission for new commercial buildings on your farm and share insights on diversifying your income. 🌾💼

Ready to unlock new possibilities for your farm? Don't miss this informative discussion!

Listen now 🌐👂 #FoxesRuralPodcast #FarmPlanning #DiversifyIncome

www.foxesrural.co.uk