Government publishes first ever Land Use Framework

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs suggested that for too long, “fragmented decision-making” had led to inefficient land use and left the country vulnerable to climate change.

It noted: “Three of the five worst harvests on record were in the last five years and a third of our farmland is now at high risk of flooding.”

Based on land use analysis, the Framework will support food security and national resilience, making a long-term commitment to maintaining food production in England, the Government noted.

Meanwhile, it will support farmers to diversify and remain profitable in the face of extreme weather and market shocks. 

The Framework will also provide the principles, advanced data and tools for national and local government, landowners, and developers to “make the right decisions to meet the demands of the land”.

This comes as the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero this week (18 March) announced plans to “cut red tape” and allow farmers, as well as businesses and public sector organisations to install a single small onshore wind turbine without needing to apply for planning permission.

The Government noted: “This could cut energy bills, making it faster and cheaper to generate clean homegrown power on site, as part of the government delivering the clean power mission and protecting businesses against volatile fossil fuels markets.”

The Land Use Framework will be updated every five years to reflect progress and incorporate evolving data and evidence.

Lottie Winson