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Government wants your views on future land use

Government wants your views on future land use

Land is one of our greatest natural assets, but as a finite resource, it faces growing and often conflicting demands. From food production to infrastructure development, housing provision to environmental sustainability, the pressure on land use has never been greater. As advisers to those involved in all aspects of rural land use, GSC Grays is witness to the challenges and opportunities that this presents to landowners.

While many of the demands placed upon land are complimentary – improvements to biodiversity alongside flood mitigation or the adoption of regenerative agricultural techniques, for instance – others are competing, such as food production versus infrastructure provision.  Others have the potential to work alongside each other if there is policy support, an appropriate fiscal framework and the right economic conditions.

Land use in England is predominantly rural (85%) with 38% being arable and 29% grassland.  By population however, 83% live in urban settlements, being those of more than 10,000 people. To satisfy the demands placed upon it, the Government has identified a need for change in land use. It wants to secure a fair transition which will make space for nature recovery, reduce emissions, and support sustainable and resilient food production —all while supporting economic growth through new infrastructure and housing development.

With this in mind, and recognising a need for a more strategic approach, the Government has launched a ‘national conversation’ on land use, inviting views from farmers, landowners, businesses, and environmental groups across the country.  Supported by a series of workshops, the Land Use Change Consultation, which runs until 25th April 2025, is underpinned by a detailed analysis of current land use, the assumptions guiding potential land use changes, and the scale of transition. It also examines the spatial impacts of these changes, highlights key drivers and opportunities, and outlines the next steps in the process.  This analysis needs to be read before completing the consultation.  It clearly sets out the Government’s train of thought and the consultation response is a critique of that.

The aim is to develop a framework that that will empower decision makers with a toolkit that supports sustainable growth while protecting the most productive agricultural land. The Government plans to publish an initial response by the end of July, and to have adopted the final Land Use Framework before the year is out.

Many clients are already facing serious challenges with increased costs of production, environmental volatility and an often bewildering array of opportunities to consider.  As a business, we advise on everything from feed rations and spray regimes to housing developments and ecosystem services.  This is done against a backdrop for many, of revised succession and tax planning which adds further complexity to an already dynamic situation.

If the Government can align its policies in such a way that there is a co-ordinated, logical and well considered approach to managing land use change, that will be a positive step forward.  It will give rural businesses, stakeholders and their advisers a robust framework within which to make decisions and help deliver the Government’s objectives.

This consultation is clearly intended to inform a more coherent approach to land use policy. I welcome this initiative and am pleased that we are all being given an opportunity to shape our futures.  For it to be truly effective, broad participation is essential. We have the choice to step up and engage in the consultation, or to stay silent and accept what we are given.  I am going to step up and encourage you all to join me.

Article by

Calum Gillhespy
MRICS
Director

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