Natural England’s New Powers: What This Means for Farmers

A new planning bill has granted Natural England the power to compulsorily purchase farmland, allotments, and other green spaces for nature restoration projects. This move, part of a broader effort to speed up housebuilding and large-scale infrastructure projects, is raising concerns among farmers across the country.

 

What’s Changing?

Under the new legislation, developers will no longer be required to mitigate environmental damage on-site before beginning construction. Instead, they will pay into a national Nature Restoration Fund, which will finance rewilding projects elsewhere. To facilitate this, Natural England has been given the authority to acquire land—including working farms—without the owner’s consent.

 

How Will This Affect Farmers?

For farmers, this change could have significant consequences:

• Loss of Land: The compulsory purchase powers mean that productive farmland could be taken for nature restoration projects, reducing agricultural capacity.
• Impact on Livelihoods: Farmers depend on their land for income, and forced sales may disrupt businesses, especially if the compensation does not reflect long-term land value.
• Less Local Input: The bill removes the requirement for developers to address environmental concerns within the immediate vicinity of their projects, meaning local ecosystems could suffer while conservation efforts are relocated elsewhere.

 

Compensation and Costs

One of the most controversial aspects of the bill is the reduction in compulsory purchase compensation. Previously, landowners received payments reflecting the land’s potential future value (the ‘hope value’), but this will now be removed, significantly lowering payouts. Additionally, compensation for disruption caused by compulsory purchases will be capped at £25,000, down from £75,000.

 

Wider Planning Reforms

Beyond land acquisition, the bill includes several other measures impacting rural communities:

• Faster Planning Decisions: Local councils will have fewer powers to block developments, with planning officers taking the lead on most applications.
• Expanded Mayoral Control: Regional mayors will oversee broader development plans, potentially sidelining individual farmers' and landowners’ concerns.
• Infrastructure Acceleration: The bill aims to push forward road, rail, and energy projects by limiting legal challenges and streamlining approvals.

 

What Happens Next?

The full implications of these changes will unfold over time, but farmers must stay informed and engaged in discussions about land rights. Industry bodies, including the NFU, are expected to challenge aspects of the bill, particularly regarding fair compensation and the impact on food production.

For now, those with land that could be targeted for compulsory purchase should seek professional advice on their rights and options. As policies take shape, ensuring a fair balance between development, conservation, and farming must remain a priority for all stakeholders.