New measures have come into force to cut bureaucracy and help farmers boost their business.
The Government has extended the existing permitted development rights making it easier to develop unused farm buildings without planning permission.
The new regime will enable transformation of such properties into new homes and shops.
Conversions could create lucrative business opportunities such as outdoor sports facilities, larger farm shops and farm training centres, as well as housing.
The aim of the changes is to give the agricultural sector across England greater freedoms to diversify and grow, without having to spend time and money submitting a planning application.
Minister for Housing, Planning and Building Safety Lee Rowley said: “Farmers are the lifeblood of communities, and these changes give them the freedom to grow their businesses, and plan for their futures.
“This is all part of our Long-term Plan for Housing to deliver more homes for rural communities and reform the planning system, removing unnecessary barriers to development.”
Farming Minister Mark Spencer said: “I am extremely pleased to support our farmers and provide them the freedom to decide the best uses for buildings on their land, without needless bureaucracy holding them back.
“We are listening to farmers and putting them at the heart of future development of our rural areas. Helping farmers secure their businesses and get on with the important job of producing food is our top priority.”
