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Rural Planning Services
Trusted Planning Consultants for Rural Development Projects.
At Plainview Planning, we work closely with farmers, landowners, developers, and rural businesses to deliver successful outcomes for a wide variety of rural development schemes. We routinely work in Green Belt, National Landscapes (formerly AONBs), isolated locations, and protected rural environments, and have a strong track record in navigating the complexities of rural planning across England.
Whether you’re exploring farm diversification, planning a Class Q barn conversion, or developing rural tourism accommodation, our team provides strategic, practical advice grounded in a thorough understanding of planning policy, permitted development rights, and the specific sensitivities of rural and countryside settings.
Barn Conversions
Converting barns to dwellings or commercial uses remains one of the most popular forms of rural development. We advise on:
- Class Q conversions under the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015;
- Full planning applications where Class Q may not apply;
- Fallback strategies;
- Collation of a project team and full oversight of the submission to ensure adherence to planning requirements;
- Effective and informed engagement with key stakeholders and the case officer during the determination process.
To qualify under Class Q, buildings need to meet several key requirements, relating to size, location, and structural capability. We help clients assemble the right supporting evidence and anticipate challenges early in the process.
Farm Workers’ Dwellings
Planning for essential rural workers’ housing requires a strong justification under Paragraph 84 of the NPPF (December 2024) and is often scrutinised by councils. We assist with:
- Justification statements including functional and financial tests;
- Supporting agricultural business plans;
- Removal or variation of agricultural occupancy conditions;
- Appeals following refusal.
We understand the evidential burden placed on applicants and help craft compelling planning statements tailored to the site’s operational needs.
Farm Diversification
With increasing pressure on traditional farming income, farm diversification is encouraged under Paragraph 88 of the NPPF (December 2024), which supports development that enables a prosperous rural economy.
We advise on diversification schemes such as:
- Glamping, camping, and farm-stay accommodation;
- Farm shops, cafés, and event venues;
- Workshops and rural office space;
- Renewable energy and storage projects.
Our team provides planning strategies that align with your needs, and local and national planning policy, and we are experienced in making the case for rural enterprise.
New Farm Buildings
We support agricultural clients with planning for:
- Livestock barns, general-purpose buildings, feed stores;
- Machinery and grain stores;
- Covered silage pits and slurry lagoons.
Where eligible, we use Part 6 of the GPDO to submit agricultural prior notifications, ensuring compliance with size, siting, and operational criteria. Where a full application is required (e.g. for intensive livestock or large-scale development), we coordinate relevant surveys (e.g. odour, highways, ecology) and help you to make the best case for your development requirements.
Permitted Development, Class Q and Class R
Permitted development rights can offer significant opportunity for rural development without the need for a full planning application:
- Class Q: Conversion of agricultural buildings to up to 5 dwellings;
- Class R: Change of use from agricultural buildings to flexible commercial use (e.g., shops, offices, cafés).
These routes still require Prior Approval, and councils often push back on matters such as transport, contamination, noise, and flood risk. Our team ensures all supporting documentation is robust, reducing the risk of refusal.
Rural Tourism Development
We help bring rural tourism schemes to life—balancing the commercial value of countryside locations with planning policy and environmental constraints.
Our experience covers:
- Holiday accommodation (lodges, cabins, shepherd huts);
- Eco-tourism and rewilding-led developments;
- Rural event spaces and visitor attractions;
- Planning enforcement support for unauthorised tourism uses.
We consider issues such as landscape character, access arrangements, biodiversity impact, and economic contribution—presenting strong, policy-aligned justifications for each scheme.
Equestrian Development
Planning permission is generally required for equestrian uses unless the land is already in equestrian use. We provide planning support on:
- Private stables and paddocks;
- Riding schools and arenas (manèges);
- Equestrian dwellings for full-time grooms or trainers;
- Rural diversification through equine therapy or livery businesses.
We understand how to address typical planning concerns such as traffic generation, landscape impact, and manure management, as well as the need for ecological mitigation in sensitive locations.
Why Choose Plainview for Rural Planning?
- In-depth knowledge of rural planning law and policy;
- Proven track record in Green Belt, AONB, and isolated countryside locations;
- Expert handling of permitted development, agricultural appraisals, and enforcement cases;
- Collaborative working style with planning authorities and technical consultants;
- Focused on unlocking land value while protecting the rural character.
Start Your Rural Planning Journey
Whether you’re a landowner considering diversification or a developer exploring rural conversions, our rural planning consultants are here to help you make confident, informed decisions.
A team you can trust
Plainview Planning is an independent consultancy that has supported clients across England since 2008. We believe good planning starts with listening, and we take pride in offering clear, supportive advice. From homeowners and landowners to developers, farmers, and businesses, we think strategically to unlock site potential, achieve development goals, and build trusted relationships that last beyond each project.
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