Changing from sheep farm to forestry

[Skeeter]

Hi

a quick question to which I can’t seem to find an answer, if anybody knows.

In Scotland, would a landowner of c90a acres need formall planning permission to change from an established sheep farm to a mixed native broadleaf and commercial forest?

We are being consulted by the land agent for the proposal, but I wanted to know if this is backed up by a formal planning application or whether they are just ticking boxes?

thanks

 

[Agrivator]

You need to clarify the exact size of the farm.

 

[Ffermer Bach]

I think the landowner would first want to discuss with all the local community (and I know it's not possible ~ but those who will come in the future and their opportunity to farm the land has been taken from them). Neither of which are a legal requirement, but I think a moral one.

 

[Skeeter]

@Agrivator - the scheme will be 30 hectares

@Ffermer - yes I agree with you on that point, I am sad to see farmland being turned over to forestry but I also appreciate that farmers may be getting offers to good to turn down

 

[Ffermer Bach]

@Agrivator - the scheme will be 30 hectares

@Ffermer - yes I agree with you on that point, I am sad to see farmland being turned over to forestry but I also appreciate that farmers may be getting offers to good to turn down

The fault lies not really with the landowners, we all do what is best for ourselves financially, rather it is with the policy makers.