Low Impact Farming

LIF developments are typically small-scale, land-based enterprises that integrate food production, biodiversity enhancement, renewable energy, and low-carbon living. They are often located in rural areas where conventional development would not normally be permitted, but where the land-based nature of the activity justifies a different planning approach.

Cornwall’s Policy AL1 provides a precedent for enabling such development through a robust framework of criteria, management plans, and monitoring. A similar approach is proposed for Bath and North East Somerset, adapted to local landscape character, settlement patterns, and policy priorities.

While the agricultural use of land itself does not usually require planning permission, many LIF proposals include associated development that does. This may include buildings (e.g. cabins, barns), structures (e.g. polytunnels, compost toilets), hard-standings, renewable energy infrastructure, and residential elements. These components often fall outside permitted development rights—particularly for small-scale enterprises—and therefore require planning permission. The proposed policy approach provides a framework for assessing such proposals where they meet the definition of low impact, regenerative development.

The policy would support proposals that demonstrate:

• A regenerative land management approach (e.g. agroecology, permaculture, agroforestry)
• Self-sufficiency in energy, water, and a significant proportion of food and income
• Low carbon construction and operation
• Biodiversity net gain and ecological restoration
• Positive contributions to the local community and economy
• A binding management plan and monitoring framework

Proposals would be expected to meet a set of criteria covering location, land use, environmental impact, and social value. Temporary consent may be granted initially, with permanent permission subject to successful implementation and review.

The policy would not apply to conventional agricultural development or rural housing, but to integrated proposals that meet the full definition of low impact, regenerative development.

A criteria-based policy is proposed to enable low impact farming where it can be demonstrated that the development:

• Is land-based and regenerative in nature
• Is the principal residence of those managing the land
• Meets minimum thresholds for food, income, and energy self-sufficiency
• Achieves biodiversity net gain and carbon sequestration
• Has no unacceptable impact on landscape, heritage, or neighbouring uses
• Is supported by a comprehensive management plan and monitoring strategy

The policy would apply primarily in rural areas outside settlements, including within the Green Belt where very special circumstances would need to be demonstrated.