Rural Development

In rural areas, planning policies tend to be more restrictive and permissions for development more difficult to obtain. In addition, a wide range of environmental issues may need to be addressed and the impact upon local communities and agriculture understood. Knowledge of the local situation is therefore very important. Cheffins Planning and Development can assist farmers and rural landowners to make the most of their assets and to diversify their businesses.

One of Cheffins' strengths is that agriculture has formed the core business of the firm since its establishment in 1825. We act for a large number of landowners and farmers across the region, providing professional advice on all rural business matters ranging from sales of Rural and Equestrian properties to Compulsory Purchase/Compensation issues, Valuations and Farm Consultancy advice.

At Cheffins we can:

  • undertake estate planning appraisals to identify and promote development opportunities;
  • submit representations to Local Development Documents and give evidence at Public Examinations on your behalf;
  • carry out feasibility studies and negotiate with planners to help you achieve diversification;
  • advise on new uses for redundant farm buildings;
  • negotiate the removal of agricultural occupancy conditions.
  • submit applications for planning permission, Conservation Area Consent, Listed Building Consent, and negotiate with planning authorities;
  • lodge appeals against refusals of planning permission, and present cases on your behalf.

Recent examples of rural development planning include gaining approval for:

  • Conversion of an isolated barn near Prickwillow to four bed dwelling – this had to be accompanied by a marketing exercise, protected species surveys and a flood risk assessment;
  • Conversion of a former grain store to business unit on a farm at West Wratting near Cambridge – this allowed the expansion of a commercial enterprise already based at the farm;
  • Replacement of a timber bungalow by a larger, more permanent single storey dwelling on a site near Upware;
  • Infill development on surplus agricultural land near Wisbech.

    In all cases the landowners benefit from the enhanced value which is released when planning permission is obtained.