The government has recently launched a 12-week consultation on a new approach to land use aimed at empowering decision-makers with the necessary tools to protect the most productive agricultural land and boost food security. The Land Use Framework outlines the government’s plans to build 1.5 million homes, deliver critical infrastructure, secure clean power, protect farmland, and restore the natural world.
While the announcement has been met with approval for providing clarity, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the policy on farmland, with fears that large areas could be earmarked for housing and other development projects. However, Defra secretary Steve Reed emphasized the importance of utilizing sophisticated land use data to transform land use practices, enabling the protection of prime agricultural land, restoration of the natural world, and driving economic growth.
Reed highlighted that the Land Use Framework is not about dictating actions but rather about collaboration among various stakeholders, including local and national government, landowners, businesses, farmers, and nature groups. The goal is to provide them with the necessary data and tools to make informed decisions that benefit the land and the country as a whole. Reed reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining long-term food production and ensuring that farming continues to play a vital role in feeding the nation.
The Framework envisions a future where long-term food security is guaranteed, farm businesses are future-proofed, new housing and energy infrastructure are supported, and conflicts hindering development are minimized by creating multifunctional land with multiple benefits. It aims to maximize the potential of land use for various purposes, including food production, and incentivize practices that support long-term food production capacity.
The consultation process will involve gathering input from farmers, landowners, businesses, and nature groups through workshops and feedback sessions. Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner emphasized the importance of the new approach in addressing the pressing need for 1.5 million new homes, utilizing land more efficiently, and delivering development and infrastructure where it is most needed, balancing development with environmental considerations.
Industry reactions to the Land Use Framework have been mixed, with different stakeholders expressing their views on the potential implications. NFU president Tom Bradshaw stressed the need for a comprehensive land use plan anchored in sound science and evidence, with a focus on promoting British food production and maximizing the use of productive agricultural land. CLA president Victoria Vyvyan highlighted the central role of land managers in implementing government policies related to climate, nature, food security, housing, and energy, advocating for a framework that supports farming innovation and rural development.
NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson welcomed the clarity provided by the announcement and emphasized the importance of finding a balance between enabling farms and rural businesses to thrive while safeguarding productive farmland to meet housing and other development targets. The Land Use Framework presents both opportunities and challenges for the agricultural sector, requiring careful consideration and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure sustainable land use practices.
In conclusion, the government’s consultation on the Land Use Framework represents a significant step towards enhancing land management practices, protecting vital agricultural land, and promoting sustainable development. By engaging with various stakeholders and harnessing data-driven tools, decision-makers can make informed choices that benefit the land, the environment, and the economy. The success of the Framework will depend on finding a harmonious balance between competing interests and ensuring that land use practices support long-term food security and environmental sustainability.
