The Rural Planning Co

Well done to team Gemini Property / The Rural Planning Co for completing the Macmillan Mighty Hike Cotswolds 2026 on Saturday raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support

They walked a 26.2 mile circular route from Blenheim Palace and absolutely smashed it 💪💪💪. What a brilliant achievement for such a worthy cause 😊 what a team!

A great article from Cheryl at The Dragons Gate. It's always good to get a mention when planning strategy forms part of a project. Thanks for the mention.

On Thursday 10th September, Cheryl is speaking at The Glamping Show at 2pm on "Hands-On or Hands-Off? Choosing the Right Diversification Model for Your Land"

If you want to learn more about their wonderful wedding venue in the heart of then this is one to go to!

How can you get a house on your farm? 🏡🚜

This is one of the questions we get asked most often.

And the answer is... it depends.

If you're looking to provide a home on your farm or rural business, there are a number of potential routes to explore.

You may already have buildings that could potentially be converted, and so options such as Class Q or Class MA may be worth investigating.

If there aren't suitable existing buildings, there may be other possibilities you could consider including an extension, an annexe, or in the right circumstances, a new Rural Workers Dwelling.

Watch our latest Q&A session with Sally Moore and Angela Cantrill, Senior Planning Consultants at The Rural Planning Co.
https://youtu.be/u6GVhW-JQ1M

🌿 BNG Just Got Easier! 🌿

Did you previously decide BNG made your project too costly or complicated to pursue? It might now be worth taking another look.

✅ Since February 2024, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) has been a mandatory part of most planning applications, requiring a measurable increase in biodiversity value on site, off site, or through statutory credits. For a lot of the smaller rural projects we work on, this added extra cost and complexity to what should have been a straightforward application.
✅ From 6th August 2026, that's changed. Developments with a site area of 0.2 hectares or less are now exempt from mandatory BNG altogether, provided the site doesn't affect any on-site priority habitat.

Have you recently been granted permission for something that would now qualify as exempt? It's worth checking whether there's a way to revisit this under the new rules.

Give us a call and we can talk through where you stand.
☎️ 01299 667344
📧 [email protected]

Could your farm buildings be earning their keep?

Do you have an agricultural barn that you would like to convert for commercial use?

If this is a project that you are considering then this webinar is a great place to start!

https://youtu.be/UyPAKt4Jjuw

Is the most valuable building on your farm actually the underused, redundant agricultural building in the corner of the yard?

Watch our webinar and discover how you can use Class R to improve your income.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? 👇
https://www.youtube.com/

If you are considering a project on your farm that requires planning approval, this is a great place to find out what you need.

You'll find webinars, Q&A sessions and much more. If you need assistance with a planning application, get in touch and we can help guide you in the right direction.

Could your farm buildings be earning their keep?

In this practical webinar, we will explain how Class R permitted development works, when it can be used, and the issues that commonly affect planning applications for commercial uses.

Register using the link in the comments below.

Catch up on demand 💻🏡🚜🐄

Watch our recent webinar on Class Q and Barn Conversion planning applications.

If you are a farmer, landowner or rural business owner looking to convert an agricultural building to residential, this video will explain everything you need to know about Class Q Permitted Development Rights.

Follow the link below 👇
https://youtu.be/uGK76BK1Sq4

Planning Update: Class Q and Barn Conversions - June 2026 Planning Update: Class Q and Barn ConversionsA well planned plann...

🕚 Last call for tomorrow's webinar.

🚜 If you are a farmer, landowner or you own a rural business then this is well worth a watch.

💻 Discover the latest Class Q changes, common pitfalls, and how to give your barn conversion the best chance of success.

👇 Register below using the link in the comments..