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Back in the day I’d have walked into the planning office at the local council to ask this, but now everything is through the planning portal and it costs £100+ just to ask if something needs PP. So it's Singletrack to the rescue.
FiL is a farmer. Looking at diversifying income streams he’s contemplating setting up a maize maze in the summer. Now I know that for some enterprises (e.g. car parking & camp sites) you can operate for up to 28 days without needing PP but my question is; does this apply to any pop-up operation? He’d only be looking to run it 28 days, at least for this year as it’s not worth jumping through all the hoops of applications, etc. until he knows what the earning potential is.
If PP is not required, would he still have to negotiate with highways over access, splays, sight lines, etc.?
To be clear, this would be on agricultural land and there would be no permanent structures. He wouldn’t be putting in any services, but might have a couple of picnic tables, bins and portaloos (but not definitely). Any other considerations we’ve missed?
Thanks all…
probably covered by temporary use under permitted development rights.
Highways unlikely to be involved if there's no planning requirement unless you're changing an access or hosting a big event.
A sensible access might not be a bad idea though.
Can you email them? My local planning department still responds to emails.
Thanks both. I'll try emailing the council, but in the past when I've done that they've just told me I need to complete the online form (and pay the fee!).
I'm sure the people who configure these maize mazes would be a good source of information, I know that a couple of mazes close to us use an outside company to help with the designs and set up of the sites for public use. Farmers are not that good at interacting with the public needs. I guess google is your friend.
If it’s an actual working farm and it’s bigger than five hectares then you agricultural permitted development rights which include:
temporary uses of land
agricultural buildings below a certain size
forestry buildings
caravan sites and related buildings in some circumstances
However before you hang your hat on that and spend possibly significant sums of money you should speak to the council planning department and get some pre app advice.
If you fancy risking it then I think you can download the guidance documents.
Thanks.
@Rockhopper - Yes, it's a working farm and more than 5ha, but I'd thought permitted development rights only pertained to agricultural operations.
I know if this was to be a permanent thing (e.g. using proper hedges and being open year round) then PP would still be required for the change of use from agricultural to commercial. Whereas a new barn, PYO (remember them?) or caravans for seasonal workforce, for example would be fine.
I think I need to talk to someone who works in planning at my council. Maybe I should loiter round the smokers' shelter at County Hall...?
We don’t have a smoking shelter any more, it’s been removed! I work for a council but not in planning I’m afraid although I am in design services. No, I don’t think agriculture PD only means agriculture operations hence the caravan sites bit.
Brilliant - thanks of the pointers. Really helpful. Fingers crossed for a tummy summer!!