This work supports key national policy priorities, especially the new national planning policy framework and the Environmental Impact Assessment regulations.
National Planning Policy Framework
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), revised in 2024, explains how planning policies in England should be applied to support development, there are various objectives within the NPPF that can only be achieved if sustainable agriculture is supported. These include supporting the transition to net zero by 2050, preventing development that causes soil, air, water or noise pollution and improving biodiversity.
Environmental Impact Assessment
For planning applications with “significant environmental effects” which will include intensive livestock units, an Environmental Impact Assessment is required as per the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017. By law, this must state the “likely significant effects of the proposed development on the environment” and “identify, describe and assess the direct and indirect significant effects of the development on population and human health, biodiversity, land, soil, water, air and climate, material assets and cultural heritage”.
However, there are cases where planning applications for intensive livestock units have not considered significant environmental effects such as direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions. Such planning applications are out of step with statutory regulations, and their approval is illegal. To mitigate the legal and reputational risk tied to high-carbon, environmentally damaging developments, councils should strengthen local plan policies so that the full impact of intensive livestock units on sustainable development is disclosed for consideration in every application.
Food for the Planet: Helping local authorities to tackle the climate and nature emergency through food.
