The National Farmers' Union (NFU) of Scotland has called on the Government to create a new planning system that works for modern agriculture.

In its submission to the Government's planning review, the organisation outlined key issues identified by its membership that needs to be tackled.

Proposals include increasing the size allowed for agricultural sheds for permitted developments from 465 square metres to 1,000 square metres, to reflect modern machinery sizes, as well as permitting development rights to be extended to traditional farm steadings for conversion to residential and small business use.

NFU Scotland said this could provide farmers with an additional income stream, while also protecting rural heritage and helping towards the shortfall of housing in rural areas.

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Jamie Smart, Legal and Technical Committee Chairman, said: "Members also reported encountering issues with planning officers who have an urban focus and do not appear to understand agriculture. The continuing application of Section 75 occupancy restrictions on farmhouses has also been raised as an issue. Once these are in place they are very difficult to remove, and as properties tied by these cannot be borrowed against they can have a real effect on the farm businesses’ ability to raise finance.

"They can prove a substantial hurdle for farm succession too, precluding the younger generation from coming back to farms where there is limited accommodation.

"We have also raised the grey area of polytunnels in this consultation. NFU Scotland has been working with Scottish Government to try to protect its soft fruit growers from a requirement for full planning permission. This particular aspect is subject to the current review being carried out by Heads of Planning Scotland, and once they report back on their findings, the Union anticipates further discourse on this particular issue."

(LM)