Preferred Options 2025

Other

Representation ID: 108200

Received: 27/02/2025

Respondent: St Philips

Agent: Lichfields (Birmingham)

Do you agree with the approach laid out in Draft Policy
Direction-49- Agricultural Land?
2.108 Whilst St Philips recognises the importance of best and most versatile (“BMV) agricultural
land, in relation to economic and environmental benefits, St Philips consider that the SWAs
approach is not necessary.
2.109 The NPPF is clear that planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance
the natural and local environment by “recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the
countryside, and the wider benefits from natural capital and ecosystem services including the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural
land…” (Para 187b). Notwithstanding this, again, the SWAs should have regard to
paragraph 16(f) of the NPPF (i.e. serve a clear purpose and avoid ‘unnecessary duplication).
2.110 To this end, St Philips considers that a policy that largely duplicates the protections
afforded to BMV in the NPPF would not ‘serve a clear purpose’, nor avoid ‘unnecessary
duplication’ as the decision taker would need to have regard to the requirements of the
NPPF in any event.