Policy information sourced from St Albans District Local Plan
102 Loss of Agricultural Land
Development which would result in the loss of agricultural land will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Land Quality: development resulting in the loss of high quality agricultural land, classified by the Ministry of Agriculture as being of Grade 1, 2 or 3a, will normally be refused. An exception to the policy may be made if there is an overriding need fur the development and there is no alternative land of a lower quality which could reasonably be used;
- Farm Economics and Management: where appropriate, the loss of agricultural land will be assessed against its effect on the integrity and viability of a farm holding.
Planning applications for the development of agricultural land must be accompanied by an assessment of the agricultural gradings of the land made by the Ministry of Agriculture, or an independent expert approved by the Council.
For more information please see the Local Plan