Maidstone - LPRCD5: New Agricultural Buildings and Structures

Policy information sourced from the Maidstone Borough Council Local Plan 2021-2038

LPRCD5: New Agricultural Buildings and Structures.

1. Proposals for new agricultural buildings or structures on land in use for agricultural trade or business which meet the following criteria will be permitted:

i. The proposal is proportionate and necessary for the purposes of agriculture;
ii. The proposal would not have an unacceptable impact on the amenity of existing residents; and
iii. The building or structure would be located within or adjacent to an existing group of buildings, in order to mitigate against the visual impact of development, unless it can be demonstrated that a more isolated location is essential to meet the needs of the holding. Where an isolated location is essential the site should be chosen to minimise the impact of the building or structure on the character and appearance of the countryside.

2. In the case of developments for structures such as polytunnels or Cravo greenhouses, in addition to the above criteria, the council will expect proposals to address the following issues:

i. How surface water run-off will be dealt with and controlled within the boundaries of the site;
ii. The inclusion of a rotation programme for the covering/uncovering of the structures/ frames, which explores the possibility of following the seasons; and
iii. The inclusion of a programme for the maintenance and enhancement of existing field margins in the interests of encouraging biodiversity.

For more information, please visit Maidstone’s Local Plan Maidstone Borough Council Local Plan 2021-2038