HC Deb 09 June 1988 vol 134 c650W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to ensure that, as a prerequisite to the granting of planning permission for an agricultural dwelling, the future economic viability of the farm is established beyond reasonable doubt.

Mr. Waldegrave

No. Guidance about the viability of a farming enterprise is given in the annex to DOE circular 24/73. Each planning application for an agricultural dwelling is decided on its merits in the light of this guidance, the other factors listed in the annex, and all other material planning considerations.