Foxes rural logo

Planning Permission on Your Farm 

How do we look to achieve planning permission on your farm?

At Foxes Rural, we know that farmers want to get planning permission quickly and easily. You need a clear path to boost your chances of success. But the process can be filled with paperwork, complex laws, and unclear steps. This confusion can hold you back from exploring all the planning options for your farm. We believe applying for planning permission should be simple and stress-free. 

Our approach focuses on easy-to-read planning applications tailored to your farm’s needs. We tackle potential planning issues before you submit. This means you won't waste time sifting through long documents when you could be managing your farm.

95% success rate for planning applications submitted in the past 12 months

Here’s how we do it:

Instead of you having to waste time trying to comprehend the planning system on your farm, you can get hours back to work on your farm business.
  1. We assess your farm and review its planning history based on your goals.

  2. We prepare a clear planning application that addresses key issues upfront.

  3. We collaborate with you to submit the application quickly.

  4. We coordinate with the Local Planning Authority during the submission process.

Browse our mini video series

Planning changed everything for Ed Ford

45 sec

Don’t Get Left Behind – Secure Your Farm’s Future with Planning Permission! 

Meet Ed Ford of Childerditch Farms. He’s not just farming – he’s future-proofing. From new agricultural buildings to vital infrastructure, Ed turned his vision into reality with the right planning permission. 

At Foxes Rural, we made it simple for him. But the real question is – are you missing out?

Ready to Turn Your Farmland into Something Unforgettable?

30 sec

Sometimes, it’s not just about farming. It’s about dreaming. About looking at your land and seeing more than just soil and crops – seeing a legacy. 

James Butterfield did exactly that. In 2020, when the world seemed to stand still, he planted a vineyard at Bretts Hall. Some thought it was risky, even crazy. But to James, it was a chance to create something unforgettable.

Biodiversity Net Gain and How it Affects Farm Planning

30 sec

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now mandatory on all full planning applications in the UK and affects a number of applications for farmers.  Mel and Katie explain a bit about BNG and how it works

Our Unique Permitted Development guarantee

We guarantee to give you a unique and energetic planning service specifically for you as a farmer and guarantee to have any farm related permitted development planning application submitted to the Local Planning Authority within 28 days of being instructed.

Our Planning Guides

What our clients are saying

Melanies innovative approach helped us secure a Lawful Development Certificate for our extension. The seamless integration with our existing building has greatly improved our efficiency and capacity, supporting our future growth at the farm. 
Simon Heard - Fairfields Farm Operations Director
We instructed the services of Foxes Rural to oversee the planning application process for a multi-purpose agricultural building. This structure is designed to accommodate both farm machinery and a dedicated farm office, contributing significantly to the expansion of our current farmyard facilities.
Ed Ford - Childerditch Farms Partner
I worked with Foxes Rural on a planning application for our a new agricultural building and farm access.  Melanie came out to the farm to inspect in a swift manner and we achieved permission within a matter of weeks.  A very efficient service where I was kept well informed during the planning process.  We also applied for a change of use from agricultural to commercial and they swiftly resolved issues with the planning officer. 
Andrew Fairley - Henry Fairley and Son Limited Farmer
Over the last six years Guy and Melanie have helped secure multiple planning permissions for us. They are always a pleasure to work with and to date have had a 100% success rate in what we have set out to achieve. These have included new barns for arable, equine and storage, as well as residential extensions and refurbishment.  The Foxes approach is always pragmatic and realistic to achieving a successful planning outcome. I would highly recommend their services. 
Essex Farmer
Melanie worked with us to prepare a Class R change of use of one of our pole barns to commercial.  This was a permitted development application and Melanie came up with an innovative way of approaching the application and the change of use.  We have now completed the building which is providing diversified income for our farming enterprise.
Wendy French - A R French & Son Farmer
I instructed Foxes Rural to undertake planning for a new yard and grain store on our farm.  Guy came up with the solution of applying for both of these proposals using our permitted development rights rather than full planning.  Melanie handled the preparation and submission of our application and within a matter of weeks from issuing instructions, receiving approvals for both proposals. 
Robert Chamley - J W Chamley & Son Farmer
Guy and his team swiftly prepared a planning application for our business relocation to Tendring District. Facing post-submission concerns of the planning officer, Guy efficiently addressed them, securing the necessary planning consent. Thanks to Foxes Rural, we've been able to pursue rapid growth plans with significant value gained from the permission that Foxes Rural achieved for us. 
Matthew Amodio - Amobox Ltd Director
I started working with Foxes Rural two years ago on a planning application for an Agricultural Grain and Straw Store. Melanie has since achieved permission for us on multiple projects and assisted us through a retrospective planning application. Her unique and novel approach to the planning justification led to permission being granted on land we have wanted to develop since moving to the farm 20 years ago.