§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with local planning authorities regarding farm diversification applications; what guidance he gives to them; and if he will make a statement. [152304]
§ Mr. MorleyMAFF is consulted on all planning applications which would involve the loss of 20 hectares or more of high quality farmland. MAFF also comments on local development plans to ensure that they encourage farm diversification. The rural White Paper gave an undertaking that planning guidance would be updated to take account of the needs of the living, working countryside.