The government has launched a 12-week consultation on a new approach to land use that it said will empower decision-makers with the tools to protect the most productive agricultural land and boost food security.
The Land Use Framework sets out how the government intends to build 1.5m homes, deliver critical infrastructure, secure clean power, protect farmland and restore the natural world.
While the clarity the announcement brings has been welcomed, concerns have been expressed that the policy could remove large swathes of farmland for housing and other projects.
However, launching the consultation at the Royal Geographical Society today, Defra secretary Steve Reed said: “Using the most sophisticated land use data ever published, we will transform how we use our land. That means enabling the protection of prime agricultural land, restoring our natural world and driving economic growth.”
Working together
“This framework will not tell people what to do. It is about working together to pool our knowledge and resources, to give local and national government, landowners, businesses, farmers and nature groups the data and tools they need to take informed actions that are best for them, best for the land, and best for the country.”
He said the government has made a ‘cast-iron commitment to maintain long-term food production’. “The primary purpose of farming will always be to produce food that feeds the nation. This framework will give decision makers the toolkit they need to protect our highest quality agricultural land,” he said.
“This vision for land is one in which we guarantee our long-term food security and future-proof our farm businesses, support new housebuilding and energy infrastructure, and reduce conflicts that hold up development by creating land with multiple benefits – supporting economic growth on the limited land we have available.
“The Framework will help farm businesses to maximise the potential of multiple uses of land, supporting long-term food production capacity and unlocking opportunities for businesses to drive private finance into the sector. It will support the need to incentivise multi-functional land use that includes food production.”
The consultation will seek views from farmers, landowners, businesses and nature groups across the country, including a series of workshops.
Deputy prime minister and housing secretary, Angela Rayner said: “Today marks an important step forward in our journey to build the 1.5 million new homes that we desperately need.
“This new approach will make better use of our land and grasp the opportunities to deliver new homes and infrastructure in the areas most in need, achieving win-win results for both development and the environment.
Reaction
NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “With competition for land ever increasing, we must have a land use plan in place, underpinned by sound science and evidence, that has British food at its heart and ensures we make the best use of our most productive agricultural land.”
Country Land and Business Association (CLA) president Victoria Vyvyan said: “Land managers are central to the delivery of the government’s policies for climate, nature, food security,housing and energy, and are in the best position to know what is right for their land and business. A land use framework must not stifle farming or environmentalinnovation, or prevent rural development and business diversification.”
NPA chief execitive Lizzie Wilson said: “We welcome clarity announcement brings and the opportunity to take part in the conversation about this crucial policy.
“This clearly brings opportunities and threats for farmers. It is essential that the right balance is found between enabling farms and rural businesses to grow and prosper, while also protecting productive farmland in meeting housing and other targets.”