There’s more to diversification than just holiday cottages
There’s more to diversification than just holiday cottages
Author: Nia Borsey MRTPI, Fisher German LLP
Farmers and landowners often hear the term ‘diversification’ flitted around in farming magazines and media with the intention to support your farming business. Most commonly the first diversification idea which springs to mind is often conversion of outbuildings, with the idea perceived the most profitable form of utilising assets on the farm. Just because you have outbuildings does not necessarily mean they have to be converted to holiday cottages; they can be utilised in other ways. As a planner I do get asked often to gauge diversification ideas for our clients, of which there are more ideas than you may think and available to landowners without buildings to their disposal.
Planning Policy Wales actively encourages diversification which provides an economic use and supporting a rural economy. Therefore, converting an outbuilding into a dwelling is not necessarily encouraged through planning policy. An economic use creates a likely visitor expenditure, whether it be through tourism or a business use.
As a starting point it is always good to identify the assets which the farm offers in the way of buildings, but also in terms of the location. Does the location offer a ‘unique selling point’ (USP) or through diversification would a USP be on offer? Experiences are the largest grower in terms of attractions, the rise of social media and the growth of sharing the ‘staycation’, and partaking in activities that are ‘different’, create this influx of influence to try these unique types of holidays and experiences.
It all comes down to planning! More than likely an idea to diversify on your land will require professional planning input and certainly some form of permission. It is not as simple as some may think to gain the permission you wish; due to constraints in your location which need to be overcome, e.g., designated areas, heritage issues, highways, ecology, among others. When considering any planning application, depending on the proposal its always good to know the various ecology survey openings. It is always good practice to consider timescales for any project at the initial stage.
It is not always tourism-led diversification which can be the most beneficial to your business. You need to mindful of the types of farming operations on the land and how to diversify in such a way which suits you and the business. New opportunities may be found through the post-COVID-19 recovery.
The Welsh Government are striding for Wales Net Zero 2050, this will create transformations for Welsh farmers. Renewable energy is an innovative way for farmers to offset their emissions whilst reducing their own energy costs and potentially earning money through exporting excess energy back to the national grid. Therefore, seeking professional advice can really ascertain the most effective form of energy for your farm. Of course, implementation of such schemes requires planning consent, so seek professional advice at an early stage.
With Wales Net Zero 2050 targets over the next 30 years, alongside post-COVID-19 recovery in rural areas; leads farmers with a great opportunity to get involved and diversify their business now.
~
Nia Borsey is a Chartered Town Planner with Fisher German LLP. More information can be found on the services she offers here.
