Proposals by the Government to implement major reforms to the planning system present potential opportunities for garden centres and other rural businesses seeking to capitalise on surplus land, experts at planning specialists Malcolm Scott Consultants have said.
Last week, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) issued the draft National Planning Policy Framework and a host of consultation documents outlining changes that signal the biggest reform to the planning system in more than 10 years.
Chris Primett, Director at Malcolm Scott Consultants, said that the proposals presented rural businesses with significant opportunities for growth.
“The consultation documents cover a diverse range of topics, including reviews of Green Belt land, the new Grey Belt as well as a focus on renewable and low carbon energy generation and onshore wind and solar projects. Many of our clients are in the fortunate position of having excess parcels of land, and these proposals open up routes for diversification. We are already working with a number of clients to secure planning for residential development, solar farms and battery storage, and if the changes are confirmed the timing couldn’t be better for others to follow their lead and explore the potential for their land.
“The proposed changes to how development in the Green Belt is to be assessed in the future is also significant in that it would enable garden centres and rural businesses to expand where previously they had been constrained,” he added.
Chris has prepared a detailed document expanding on the key points within the NPPF proposals, which can be reviewed here.
He added that alternative use would be a key focus for the business at next month’s GLEE show at the NEC.
“We’re delighted that these announcements have come at such an opportune time. Our colleague Paul Barton will be present for the duration of GLEE to further explain these proposals and the opportunities they present to clients, and we look forward to the response,” said Chris.
