Free Guide launched at Great Yorkshire Show

An updated free guide to give farmers practical planning tips on developing new ways of using their land and buildings will be re-launched and distributed for the first time at the Great Yorkshire Show next week.

The “Making the Most Of Your Farm” handbook outlines the planning issues involved and gives examples of the kinds of enterprises that can be developed.

It also sets out the planning policies that apply in Yorkshire and Humber and explains how they may influence types of acceptable developments.

The revised guide, funded the Yorkshire and Humber Assembly and Framework for Change- the organisation for delivering the Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food in Yorkshire and Humber- contains useful contacts for farmers interested in diversifying.

The guide uses case studies to illustrate how farmers can introduce new ideas onto their holdings either to support their farm business or as an alternative to farming.

Chair of the Assembly, Peter Box said: “The future of our region’s farms remains an important contributor to the region’s economy and the quality of our environment.

“This guide is a valuable tool for providing focused planning advice for farm-based enterprises that are thinking of new ways to expand their businesses.”

And Tony Cooke, Chairman of Framework for Change added: “Making the Most of Your Farm is a 'must read' for farmers and rural businesses, providing helpful and practical advice on how to maximise the chances of a successful planning application.”

The updated guide, originally published in 2003, will be available from mid July from your Local Authority, the National Farmers Union (01904 451550) and Country Land and Business Assossiation (01347 823803) and will be distributed at the Great Yorkshire Show on July 11,12 and 13.

Alternatively you can contact Kelly Jevons at the Assembly on 01924, 331605, email kelly.jevons@yhassembly.gov.uk