The Government has initiated a public consultation to refine its approach to land use in England, aiming to balance the nation's food security with economic expansion and environmental restoration. This effort introduces a new framework supported by the latest land use data, which seeks to inform and guide local and national decision-making processes.

The newly proposed Land Use Framework was announced by a coalition of government departments, including the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and spearheaded by key ministers such as Steve Reed, Angela Rayner, and Ed Miliband. This initiative commits to using sophisticated data to achieve multiple national objectives, including the protection of prime agricultural areas, while facilitating significant housing and infrastructure projects.

Enhancing Local Decision Making with Advanced Data

The Framework aims to empower local governments, landowners, farmers, and environmental groups with advanced data and tools to optimise land use. By delineating clear principles and providing state-of-the-art data, the initiative is designed to support stakeholders in making informed decisions that align with both local and national priorities.

Dual Focus on Housing and Environmental Protection

The consultation also outlines ambitious plans to construct 1.5 million new homes and establish a generation of new towns. These developments are part of a broader strategy to ensure the UK meets its clean power goals by 2030, aligning with spatial plans for energy and housing, alongside a new food strategy aimed at enhancing food security amidst climate-related challenges.

National Conversation and Sector Engagement

Acknowledging the critical input of local expertise, the government plans to conduct workshops nationwide, engaging directly with farmers and landowners. This dialogue aims to centralise the experience of those who manage the landscapes, ensuring that their insights significantly influence the final framework.

Balancing Economic Growth with Agricultural Preservation

The approach outlined by the government recognises the intrinsic link between protecting high-quality agricultural land and fostering economic growth. By securing areas designated for food production, the Framework intends to not only bolster the UK’s food security but also facilitate economic initiatives, such as renewable energy projects, that can coexist with agricultural priorities.

Consultation Process and Future Steps

The consultation will remain open until 25 April 2025, inviting feedback from a wide range of stakeholders across the country, from farmers to business owners and nature conservation groups. This comprehensive engagement is expected to shape a robust Land Use Framework, slated for publication later in the year, fulfilling a key manifesto commitment.

The Rural Services Network acknowledges the potential of the proposed Land Use Framework to create a balanced, sustainable approach to managing England’s land resources. While the consultation presents an opportunity for significant policy advancement, it remains imperative that the voices of all stakeholders are heard and integrated into the final strategy. We encourage our members and all rural stakeholders to participate in this consultation to ensure that rural perspectives and needs are adequately represented in these critical discussions.

More details and details on how to participate in the consultation can be found HERE.