Is the Land Use Framework another threat to the viability of English farms?

Farmers and landowners in England are once again under threat, with the proposed Land Use Framework stating that 9% of England’s agricultural land will need to be taken out of production to meet environmental and climate targets.

Laura Greenman, partner and head of planning, highways and environment at HCR Law, reminds farmers and landowners not to miss the opportunity to have their voices heard during the consultation period, which closes on 25 April 2025.

Ms Greenman says that while the Framework focuses on planning, energy and infrastructure, little consideration has been given to food security.

“The proposed Framework claims to support Britian’s food security while suggesting that 760,000ha of agricultural land in England must be removed from production,” says Ms Greenman.

The government has said that only the least productive land will be taken out of agricultural use, leaving the land with the ‘greatest long-term potential for food production’ to deliver higher yields.

Ms Greenman says the Framework is high level, but local or regional focus is needed as soil types, weather conditions, and land management strategies all play a role in productivity.

“We know that some of the least productive land can play a crucial role in livestock grazing and rotational systems,” she adds.

The Framework aims to support the Government’s existing plans for change and is seeking views on what that will mean.

“There is no detail on how change will actually be achieved, and the concern is that the Framework becomes the justification for major policy decisions in future,” she explains.

With the Autumn Budget and subsequent funding announcements raising concerns for the future of UK farming, Ms Greenman warns that the proposed Framework is flying under the radar and industry effort is needed to raise awareness of the consultation.

“As an industry, we need to come together to voice our concerns. Farmers are already facing numerous challenges, and this feels like yet another one,” she adds.

“The consultation period is a chance for farmers and landowners to influence the future of land use in England. If the industry doesn’t engage, decisions will be made without our input.”

The government is set to publish a response to the consultation at the end of July, so Ms Greenman encourages anyone concerned to provide feedback via the online form.

“Any feedback submitted via the consultation must be responded to, so we need to encourage farmers and landowners to contribute in this way before the consultation period closes on 25 April 2025,” she explains.

For further information on the consultation visit https://bit.ly/4hFMPyU, or to speak to someone from the HCR Law team about your farming matters, visit: https://bit.ly/3XWPXj0