Planning Permission NI for Farm Buildings:

Here at FMK we have a dedicated Agri-specialist to deal with all Agri-Projects. We
have both personal and professional experience in all things Agri; whether it’s just to
Masterplan out your Farmyard or Farm Buildings, or whether you need Full Detailed
Design, Planning Permission & Structural Design for your shed, we are here to help.
We have many past projects dealing with Farm-Buildings across Northern Ireland,
ranging from Shed Extension’s to New “First” Farm Sheds.
In terms of Planning Permission ni ;
You do not always need planning permission to carry out development on a farm
holding.
Certain development on a farm holding is deemed to be permitted development. This
includes works for the erection, extension or alteration of a building which are
reasonably necessary for the purposes of agriculture.
Changes are being made regularly to Agri- permitted development section, with
regards to NIEA legislation and also Environmental aspects and as a result it
sometimes means permitted development is not possible, especially if the building is
to house animals.
Buildings used for housing animals are more complicated and these usually mean
site-specific requirements need to be applied to the permitted development rules.
The Farm building must comply with certain requirements set out in the relevant
legislation.
Planning Permission is NOT required, providing you meet the required conditions,
some examples of these are;

•  Building cannot contain a Slurry Tank including External Slurry Stores
• A building can not be used to House animals
• Must be another Existing Farm Building within 75m of New Building
• Must be min 75m away from other Dwellings
• New Building is less than 500m2 external area
• Be an Active Farm Business for minimum of 6 Years

NB: The very First Farm Shed on any Farm/Field WILL require Planning Permission
regardless of the above points.   
If you are thinking of any Agri-related projects of your own, contact Ronan McKee at
FMK to discuss your next steps and advise on your project.
We strongly advise all farmers to contact FMK to seek advice before starting any
new Farm Buildings or Slurry Tanks as Planning Enforcement can cause serious
issues in relation to buildings without planning permission.
Also check with your bank/lender as they may require proof of whether planning
permission is required or not before lending.