Local farmers who require guidance or information on planning matters can now take advantage of a brand new service that will provide the answers to their questions free of charge.
The planning surgeries are part of an initiative to raise the awareness of issues surrounding the planning process and is available for all eligible farming and forestry businesses in Wales. It has been developed by the Welsh Assembly Government through the Farming Connect Programme, the surgeries are delivered by Menter a Busnes in partnership with rural planning experts Asbri Planning.
Issues expected to be addressed could include: how to obtain planning permission for an agricultural workers dwelling; how to secure the removal of 'agricultural workers dwelling' status on an existing house; how to secure planning permission for a range of 'farm diversification' projects; enforcement issues; how to appeal in respect of refusal of planning applications; how to secure planning permission for agricultural buildings, stables, quarrying etc.
Alun Jones, chief executive of Menter a Busnes, said: "These surgeries will be ideal for any farmers who want free no-nonsense guidance or information on any type of planning issues. Some may have been considering on-farm developments that require planning permission. Others may simply be intrigued to know whether they need planning consent for other matters.
"Given that this scheme provides professional information that is totally free of charge we anticipate a large take-up and would advise anyone who has a planning query or who needs any sort of planning information to contact us.
"We will be arranging surgeries throughout Wales, where every client will be given a specific time slot to discuss their planning issues in private with a planning consultant."
Early indications show that there will be significant demand for this new service which is limited to just 21 surgeries across Wales. A first come first served system will therefore operate. Anyone wishing to book a place should contact Bethan Arch at Menter a Busnes on 01970 636289 or email [email protected]">[email protected]