Farm diversification.

The change in traffic compared with current farm activity, the access onto the public road, the width and condition of the lane, and the type of vehicles the new use brings.

• A comparison of existing farm traffic with the proposed use.
• Access visibility to the right standard, using measured speeds where helpful.
• A lane assessment with passing places where needed.
• Swept paths for delivery and visitor vehicles.

Converting barns to workshops, offices or storage often adds less traffic than people expect, especially where farm vehicles are removed. We set out the comparison clearly.

• A comparison of existing farm traffic with the new use.
• Access visibility, using measured speeds where helpful.
• A lane assessment with passing places where needed.
• Swept paths for deliveries and visitors.
• Parking for the new use.

A typical case is converting redundant farm buildings to six workshops and a cafe. The highway authority asks about extra traffic on the lane. We compare the new trips with the existing farm traffic, including tractors and lorries that will no longer use the yard, survey speeds, and improve visibility at the access.

Farm diversification is supported in national policy, but the access and approach roads still need to be safe. Removing farm vehicles can offset new trips. Our Thurston appeal summary shows that a rural access can be acceptable without meeting every guideline.

Farm diversification schemes are often made up of several small uses, such as a few business units, a farm shop and holiday lets. We assess the combined effect of all of them, so the council can see the whole picture and later applications do not need to start from scratch. Where uses share the farm yard, we separate visitor traffic from working farm vehicles.

Concerns usually relate to the lane and visibility at the access. A comparison with existing farm traffic, a speed survey and passing places usually resolve them.

If a refusal has been issued, we review the reason and prepare evidence for an appeal. Inspectors often give weight to the existing farm traffic.

We provide a proportionate transport statement and access design, and respond to highways objections on rural schemes.

The same questions arise in Scotland and Wales, where they are assessed against NPF4 and Scottish guidance or Planning Policy Wales and TAN 18 rather than the NPPF.

To get a quote, send us:

• The site address or a location plan.
• The buildings to be converted and the proposed uses.
• Current farm activity using the access.
• Any pre-application advice or highways comments you already have.