Farmers urged to get planning applications in early ahead of fee hikes
14th Mar 2017 / By Alistair Driver
Farmers are being urged to get planning applications in early, ahead of a 20% increase in planning fees from this summer.
Most local planning authorities will be putting up fees from July onwards. However, if an application has been received by the local planning department before then and is valid (the local authority has the information it needs to assess the application), then the current fees should apply.
The NFU is advising farmers to ensure the planning authority issues a receipt to acknowledge they have received your application.
The union described the price hike as 'an unwelcome step for many farmers', who already pay considerable fees. For example fees for agricultural buildings are based on the floor space and range from £80 to £250,000. This is on top of fees to agents to put together applications.
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