Published at 15:05, Tuesday, 05 February 2013

CUMBRIAN farmers and landowners will now be able to redevelop their redundant buildings without incurring heavy costs.

The Country Landowners’ and Business Association is claiming a major lobbying victory following the government’s decision to allow changes of use for redundant agricultural buildings. The move has been welcomed by farming leaders.

CLA North regional director Dorothy Fairburn said the association had lobbied successive governments for nearly a decade for disused farm barns and other agricultural outbuildings to be eligible for redevelopment under permitted development rights.

She said: “This is a great victory. It means farmers and landowners can use their old agricultural buildings for new purposes without having to go through the difficult and costly full planning application process.

“We are very pleased Defra has worked with the Department of Communities and Local Government to finally make this happen.

“This change will help to underpin farming businesses and boost the rural economy in the north by assisting in the creation of new jobs and businesses.”

Responding to the recent announcement made by communities secretary Eric Pickles and planning minister Nick Boles, Miss Fairburn added: “We are also pleased that the new permitted development rights will allow changes of use for redundant office buildings to houses.

“This will apply in rural as well as urban areas and give more flexibility for owners of redundant office buildings to provide much-needed homes in rural areas.”

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