NPE Response to the Exclusion of Protected Landscapes from Changes to the Town and Country Permitted Development Rights 2024

National Parks England welcome the recent decision to exclude Protected Landscapes from the extension of Class Q permitted development rights to allow the conversion of agricultural buildings into housing in National Parks, without planning permission.

Current national planning policy confirms that National Parks have the highest level of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty as well as a statutory purpose to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage. This legal  purpose applies to national park authorities, the Government and other ‘relevant bodies’ and it is our position that the extension of Class Q permitted development rights into National Parks would have directly conflicted with this legal framework.

National Parks England’s detailed response to the Government’s consultation proposals last year highlighted the collective opposition from the 10 English National Park Authorities. Our response concluded that the inclusion of Protected Landscapes in the proposed changes would result in widespread detrimental impacts on the landscape and the land-based economy of National Parks.

We are acutely aware of the challenges facing farmers and the agricultural sector within our Protected Landscapes at this time and understand the importance of income diversification for farmers. We continually seek to advocate for and work with farmers in their pursuit of sustainable, viable farm businesses. We believe this can be achieved within the framework of sustainable practices which deliver for both nature and communities. For example, national park authorities continue to administer the ‘Farming in Protected Landscapes’ funding, which since 2021 has supported over 3,000 projects for farmers and land managers in England’s nationally protected landscapes.  

The decision to exclude Protected Landscapes from the permitted development right changes leaves space for the relevant bodies to continue to develop locally-led solutions to issues such as barn conversions and affordable housing. The provision of unrestricted open market homes through extended national permitted development rights would have done little to help the sustainability of local communities and address local housing needs within National Parks.

Since 2014, 90% of all planning applications within England’s National Parks have been permitted – higher than the national average for the country. The tools available to national park authorities through the full planning system ensure that the necessary housing for local communities can be provided and safeguarded through local occupancy ties, as well as for example to facilitate the re-use of redundant agricultural buildings for employment purposes. It is recognised that the planning balance must be carried out differently within nationally protected landscapes and it is for this reason that we welcome the Government’s recent decision.