Policy information sourced from the Medway Local Plan 2003

BNE48 Agricultural Land

Development that would cause a loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land (MAFF grades 1, 2 and 3a) will not be permitted. Exceptionally, development will be permitted when:

  1. there exists an overriding need for the development that is of more significance than the considerable weight to be afforded to protecting the best and most versatile agricultural land; and
  2. there exists a lack of suitable development opportunities on previously developed sites and land within the boundaries of existing developed areas; or
  3. either sufficient land in lower grades is unavailable, or available lower grade land has statutory landscape, wildlife, historic or archaeological designation which outweigh agricultural considerations; and
  4. where grade 1, 2 or 3a land needs to be developed and there is a choice between sites in different grades the development is proposed on land of the lowest grade.

For more information please see the Medway Local Plan 2003