The Agricultural Land Classification system forms part of the
planning system
Planning permission or developmental approval refers to the approval needed for construction or expansion (including significant renovation), and sometimes for demolition, in some jurisdictions. It is usually given in the form of a building perm ...
in
England and Wales
England and Wales () is one of the three legal jurisdictions of the United Kingdom. It covers the constituent countries England and Wales and was formed by the Laws in Wales Acts 1535 and 1542. The substantive law of the jurisdiction is Eng ...
. It classifies agricultural land in five categories according to versatility and suitability for growing crops.
Grades
*Grade 1, 2 and 3a, are referred to as 'Best and Most Versatile' land, and enjoy significant protection from development.
*Grade 4 and 5 are described as ''poor quality agricultural land'' and ''very poor quality agricultural land''
[http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130402151656/http://archive.defra.gov.uk/foodfarm/landmanage/land-use/documents/alc-guidelines-1988.pdf ]
Wales
In November 2017, the Welsh Government launched th
Predictive Agricultural Land Classification Map
This is the first update since the 1970s and replaces th
Provisional Agricultual Land Classiciation Mapfor Wales. Importantly it distinguishes between ALC Sub-grades 3a and 3b.
The Welsh Government is undertaking the first update to the Predictive Agricultural Land Classification Map between 2018 and 2020.
Frequently Asked Questionsdescribes how the quality of farm land is graded and what this grade means for landowners.
References
External links
Regional Agricultural Land Classification Maps–
Natural England
Natural England is a non-departmental public body in the United Kingdom sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. It is responsible for ensuring that England's natural environment, including its land, flora and fauna, ...
Natural England technical note on the ALC systemDataset Information: Agricultural Land Classification - Provisional (England)Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Agricultural Land Classification of England and Wales
Agriculture in the United Kingdom
Town and country planning in the United Kingdom
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