The human version (we wrote this, not the council)
This section explains the policy on farmland and soils. Development of 5 hectares or more should include a sustainable soil management strategy following Defra's Construction Code of Practice for soils on construction sites. The justification describes agricultural land as a finite resource supporting food security, rural economies and climate resilience. Where soils are disturbed, they should be restored so they can support farming, carbon storage or wildlife. Lower grade land may be developed where this does not undermine wider sustainability aims.
An unofficial plain English summary. The official wording below is
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What the plan says
The text below is extracted automatically from the official PDF and may
contain artefacts; the PDF is authoritative.
time.
Policy BN.6
Agricultural Land and Soils
Development must protect, manage, and make efficient use of agricultural land and
soils.
A. Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land
Development proposals must:
1. Protect the best and most versatile (BMV) agricultural land (Grades 1, 2, and
3a), avoiding permanent loss wherever possible.
2. Prioritise lower-grade agricultural land (Grades 3b, 4, and 5) for development,
particularly for non-food crops, renewable energy, or multifunctional land
uses, where feasible.
Development should only be considered on BMV land where:
3. There is no suitable alternative on lower-grade land; and
4. The benefits of the development clearly outweigh the long-term value of the
land for food production, climate resilience, and ecosystem services.
B. Land and Soils
Development proposals should manage soils sustainably, including:
1. Retention, protection, and reuse of topsoil during construction;
2. Avoidance of soil compaction, erosion, contamination, or degradation; and
3. Restoration of soils to a condition that allows continued productive use or
supports biodiversity, Green and Blue Infrastructure, carbon sequestration,
and water management objectives.
Development proposals of 5ha or more should be accompanied by a sustainable soil
management strategy in line with Defra’s Construction Code of Practice for the
Sustainable Use of Soils on Construction Sites, or any superseding guidance.
Policy Justification
7.1.23 Agricultural land is a finite resource that supports food security, rural economies,
and climate resilience. The best and most versatile agricultural land (Grades 1–3a) is
especially valuable and should be protected from unnecessary development, in line
with the NPPF .
7.1.24 Sustainable soil management is essential to maintain productivity, biodiversity,
carbon storage, and water regulation. Development can result in soil loss or
degradation, so measures should be taken to avoid, minimise, or mitigate impacts.
Where soils are disturbed, they should be restored to a condition suitable for continued
agricultural use, carbon sequestration, or ecological enhancement.
7.1.25 Lower-grade agricultural land may be considered for development where this
does not undermine broader sustainability objectives. This approach ensures that food
production, carbon storage, ecosystem services, and biodiversity are protected