Protecting environment will play key role in future payments
As it currently stands, the Countryside Stewardship programme is set to continue for 2019 with expected submission dates for all CSS agreements being mid-2019.
The application process does have its challenges as there is a fair amount of information which needs to be finalised prior to submitting final packs to Natural England. However, existing agreement holders from previous years are completing a wide range of capital items such as fencing, gate work, hedge laying and planting and the concreting of yards which have all had a direct impact and benefit, not only for the environment, but also for the holdings as well.
A positive aspect to Mid-Tier schemes is that agents work with the landowners to produce an application which meets targeted requirements, as well as maximising use of unproductive areas of their holdings. Capital items in these schemes offer valuable assistance with a wide range of options, along with meeting the key target areas required by the scheme.
With the recently released publications issued by the UK Government on the future of agriculture and the Basic Payment Scheme, one of the main points, which is continually mentioned, is the management and protection of the natural environment. We believe this element is going to play a key role in future subsidy payments, with CSS Schemes guaranteed for five years. This could potentially stand landowners in good stead for the road that lies ahead.
The Countryside Productivity Small Grant scheme was activated in 2018 and proved to be a resounding success for landowners with regards to obtaining livestock, handling equipment and specialist machinery. DEFRA announced in autumn 2018 that the scheme will hopefully be reopened in early 2019.
Last year saw a number of local needs dwellings and agricultural workers dwellings receive planning consent. These have been in some picturesque locations and with some quite onerous planning restrictions in place. We have also dealt with schemes varying from residential development sites, inclusive of affordable housing, barn conversions, certificates of lawful use, holiday accommodation, including campsites, farm buildings and commercial buildings.
Madeleys have also submitted a number of applications under Permitted Development for agricultural buildings, taking full advantage of the extended size threshold of 1,000 square metres and delivering for clients without the need for a costly and lengthy full planning application.
There are two key changes worth considering in the year ahead;
• Shropshire Local Plan review: If you have an eye on development but are unsure of your prospects, this may have changed as Shropshire Council are undertaking a review of the Local Plan.
• Extended Permitted Development Right: New agricultural buildings can now extend to 1,000 square metres and there have also been changes regarding the conversion of agricultural buildings into residential dwellings.
Paul Madeley, Madeley's chartered surveyors
