Analysis of agricultural planning applications (1993-1995) : recommendations for the improvement of the processing in future

Abstract

The policy background of this dissertation illustrates the agricultural policies and guidelines which are found in the Structure Plan, Explanatory Memorandum, Policy PLP 20 and the Policy and Design Guidance - Farmhouses and Agricultural Buildings and how the case officer use them. From the analysis, it is found that the granted agricultural applications are increasing every year. The percentage of the granted farm stores is the highest among all the types of agricultural developments every year. It is found also that around 10% of the granted agricultural applications were initially refused. The case studies showed that some applicants apply for development permission to justify their existing urban building with a permit. It is also found that 'consultation replies' from other departments delay the processing of an application. Some of the sites outside the built-up areas are already committed with urban development. The main problems which were found in the case studies and in the analysis are leading to the decrease in the countryside. The granted agricultural applications are increasing every year. In fact, in the year 1993, 43 applications were granted out of 83 and in 1995 123 applications were granted out of 175. Granted agricultural stores are increasing every year. In fact, this leads to more development outside the built-up areas, mainly with one type of development. Another problem is that the time taken to process an agricultural application is too long. Some of the permits are not issued according to the policies and guidelines and finally not all the granted developments are monitored. The recommendations for the problems deal with; the change in policies, the joining of two agricultural stores where possible, a list of departments which must be consulted in every application file, the permit must be issued only if the proposal folly complies w1th the pohc1es and guidelines, and to change the structure of the enforcement section for better monitoring of the developments. Furthermore, the enforcement staff must be divided into O.D.Z (Outside Development Zone) enforcement and the Within Scheme enforcement. Finally, for those sites situated outside the built-up areas which are already committed, it is proposed a new boundary to the sites with new set of policies.