Q-B8.1: Do you agree that the plan should include a policy avoiding development on the best and most versatile agricultural land, unless it can be demonstrated that the harm to agricultural land is clearly outweighed by the benefit of development?
Q B8.1 Do you agree that the plan should include a policy avoiding development on the best and most versatile agricultural land, unless it can be demonstrated that the harm to agricultural land is clearly outweighed by the benefit of development? Yes. The country needs to have capacity to feed the nation so such land should be held forthis but each area needs to be assessed on all aspects and a recognition that lower quality farming land should not automatically be pushed into development. Q- B8.2 When considering climate change, biodiversity and economic wellbeing, are there any rural land uses or locations that should be prioritised over others? Yes, we need additional protection and buffers on the river Avon, Leam and their tributaries, Local Wildlife Sites and PLWS’s, Local Nature Reserves, SSSIs, Ancient woodland, Local Green Spaces, Ecosites etc. Councils need to reassess their Potential Local Wildlife Sites as a matter of urgency, as particularly in the south there are huge gaps in this very important evidence base and this information should be used in the plans as well as information on protected species. Brownfield sites and areas with poor biodiversity should be prioritised for development
No answer given
Yes: Local wildlife reserves, Sites of Special Scientific interest, nature reserves, woodlands.
Q-B8.1: Para 174 b) of the NPPF states that "planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by … recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside … including the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land.” In addition, PPG paragraph 001 Ref ID 8-001-20190721 states that the quality of farmland should be utilised to inform choices about its future use within the planning system. 7.7. Any policy should avoid taking a blanket approach as there will be circumstances where development on best and most versatile land is appropriate. This may also apply to some allocations. The policy should be sufficiently flexible and allow for cases when the planning balance favours approval.
I feel all agricultural land should be deemed as the best and most versatile when it is tenant farm land as this provides a much needed route for young farmers or other new entrants to start work in this nationally important industry creating food security for the nation and County. This need for food security has been shown to be even more important in the post-Brexit era and the current Ukraine/Russia conflict.
No, but the plan should give equal weight to the interests of the existing population as well as dealing with new development and growth.
Q B8.1 Yes. The country needs to have capacity to feed the nation so such land should be held forthis but each area needs to be assessed on all aspects and a recognition that lower quality farming land should not automatically be pushed into development. Q- B8.2 Yes, we need additional protection and buffers on the river Avon, Leam and their tributaries, Local Wildlife Sites and PLWS’s, Local Nature Reserves, SSSIs, Ancient woodland, Local Green Spaces, Ecosites etc. Councils need to reassess their Potential Local Wildlife Sites as a matter of urgency, as particularly in the south there are huge gaps in this very important evidence base and this information should be used in the plans as well as information on protected species. Brownfield sites and areas with poor biodiversity should be prioritised for development
No, but the plan should give equal weight to the interests of the existing population as well as dealing with new development and growth.
I feel all agricultural land should be deemed as the best and most versatile when it is tenant farm land as this provides a much needed route for young farmers or other new entrants to start work in this nationally important industry creating food security for the nation and County. This need for food security has been shown to be even more important in the post-Brexit era and the current Ukraine/Russia conflict.
I feel all agricultural land should be deemed as the best and most versatile when it is tenant farm land as this provides a much needed route for young farmers or other new entrants to start work in this nationally important industry creating food security for the nation and County. This need for food security has been shown to be even more important in the post-Brexit era and the current Ukraine/Russia conflict.
I feel all agricultural land should be deemed as the best and most versatile when it is tenant farm land as this provides a much needed route for young farmers or other new entrants to start work in this nationally important industry creating food security for the nation and County. This need for food security has been shown to be even more important in the post-Brexit era and the current Ukraine/Russia conflict.
I feel all agricultural land should be deemed as the best and most versatile when it is tenant land as this provides a much needed route for young farmers or other new entrants to start work in this nationally important industry creating food security for the nation and County. This need for food security has been shown to be even more important in the post-Brexit era and the current Ukraine/Russia conflict.
In terms of land use area Warwickshire remains an agricultural county and all agricultural land should be protected from development. In particular, tenanted farmland, such as that held in the WCC Smallholdings estate should be preserved, as this provides a much-needed route for young farmers or other new entrants to start work in this nationally important industry, creating food security for the nation and county. This need for food security has been shown to be even more important in the post-Brexit era and the current Ukraine/Russia conflict.
I feel all agricultural land should be deemed as the best and most versatile when it is tenant farm land as this provides a much needed route for young farmers or other new entrants to start work in this nationally important industry creating food security for the nation and County. This need for food security has been shown to be even more important in the post-Brexit era and the current Ukraine/Russia conflict.
Issue B8: Agricultural Land QB8.1: Do you agree that the plan should include a policy avoiding development on the best and most versatile agricultural land, unless it can be demonstrated that the harm to agricultural land is clearly outweighed by the benefit of development? The Church Commissioners recognises the need to retain the highest quality agricultural land. However, this must be balanced against other needs across South Warwickshire, including the need to provide sufficient market and affordable homes. 9.4 Any policy should therefore seek to retain Grade 1 Excellent Quality agricultural land, whilst development on all other agricultural qualities should be taken on a case by case basis, dependent on the merits of the proposal.
Ecology Planning advice advocates protection of national and regional sites of importance for species and habitats. Regional sites include County sites such as Local Wildlife Sites. We also recommend protection and enhancement of linear habitats, such as river corridors, hedgerows etc.
QB8.1: Caddick Land recognises the need to retain the highest quality agricultural land. However, this must be balanced against other needs across South Warwickshire, including the need to provide sufficient market and affordable homes. 9.4 Any policy should therefore seek to retain Grade 1 Excellent Quality agricultural land, whilst development on all other agricultural qualities should be taken on a case by case basis, dependent on the merits of the proposal.
Q-B8.1: NWBC Response – Agreed appropriate to consider including a policy avoiding development on the best and most versatile agricultural land, given extent of rural agricultural land covered within South Warwickshire Local Plan area and potential future climate change impacts/implications on food supply/soil health and resources. No further comments.
I feel all agricultural land should be deemed as the best and most versatile when it is tenant farm land as this provides a much needed route for young farmers or other new entrants to start work in this nationally important industry creating food security for the nation and County. This need for food security has been shown to be even more important in the post-Brexit era and the current Ukraine/Russia conflict.
Q-B8.1: This policy does not need to be included in the SWLP given that the approach to development on agricultural land is already dealt with in the NPPF.