| answer text |
<p>The use of best and most versatile farmland is for local planning authorities to
lead through their Local Plans. This enables local communities to be consulted and
to decide where development should go, and what local food-growing opportunities should
be taken forward.</p><p> </p><p>The National Planning Policy Framework sets out the
importance for local planning authorities of taking account of the benefits of the
best and most versatile farmland in preparing their Local Plans, including consideration
of access to affordable, sustainable and healthy food.</p><p> </p><p>Local planning
authorities must consult Natural England before permitting non-agricultural development
on significant areas of such land if this is outside the Local Plan.</p>
|
 |
