How to Identify Whether Farm Land Could Be Developed
For farmers, development potential is rarely about a single planning issue. It depends on the relationship between the farm and nearby settlements, the local authority's housing and employment needs, site constraints, access, infrastructure and whether the land can be delivered in a sustainable way. A proper review can identify whether part of the farm should be promoted, held, sold, or assessed further before decisions are made.
Key issues normally include:
Location
How the land relates to nearby towns, villages and existing development.
Planning Policy
Whether current or emerging Local Plan policy supports future growth.
Access
Whether safe and suitable access to the public highway can be achieved.
Housing Need
Whether the local area needs more homes, employment land or infrastructure.
Constraints
Flood risk, ecology, landscape, heritage and other matters that may need mitigation.
Value Potential
The difference between agricultural value, hope value and development value.
Why This Matters for Farmers
Farm land is often valued by reference to its existing agricultural use. However, where there is a credible planning route, land may carry hope value or strategic development value. That value can be highly important for succession planning, retirement, reinvestment, debt reduction, diversification or deciding whether to release only part of a holding. Before selling or agreeing terms, farmers should understand whether planning promotion could improve the final outcome.
Value can be created long before planning permission is granted.
How Value My Land Can Help
Value My Land helps farmers understand whether their land has development potential and what steps may be available to maximise value.
We can review planning policy, assess site constraints, consider Local Plan opportunities, advise on planning applications, and explain whether land promotion may be suitable.
Where appropriate, land promotion can allow a site to be promoted through the planning system without the farmer funding all planning costs upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Free Farm Land Potential Review
Value My Land provides a free initial review of your farm land, planning prospects and potential development value.
Find Out Whether Your Farm Land Has Development Potential
Understanding planning policy and development value could be the first step towards unlocking the full potential of your farm land. Contact Value My Land today for a free initial review.