§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what are the planning procedures necessary for the establishment of a mink farm.
§ Mr. WaldegraveThe use of land for agriculture, including mink farming, does not require planning permission. At present a general permission is given to many farm buildings and agricultural operations on land by the General Development Order. In national parks and some adjoining areas, this is modified to give planning authorities discretionary control over the siting, design and external appearance of farm and forestry buildings and roads. In revising the GDO later this year, we propose to require specific permission for new livestock units within 400 m of most buildings. When planning 191W permission is required for agricultural or any other development, applications should be made to the local planning authority, which should consider each case on its individual merits.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many planning applications are currently pending for the establishment of mink farms in England.
§ Mr. WaldegraveWe have no information on the number or type of planning applications awaiting determination by local planning authorities.