Planning (Grade 1 Agricultural Land Protection) Bill

Originating House

House of Commons

Parliament last updated

1 May 2012

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This Bill would stop local authorities from approving planning permission for developing Grade 1 agricultural land, except in exceptional circumstances. It aims to protect the most productive farmland by keeping Grade 1 land in agricultural use, while allowing narrowly defined exceptions and related purposes. If passed, it would change how planning decisions on farmland are made.

Key Points

Prohibits planning permission for development on Grade 1 agricultural land unless exceptional circumstances are proven.
Seeks to protect high-quality farmland by prioritising agricultural use of Grade 1 land.
Establishes what counts as exceptional circumstances and covers related purposes linked to these restrictions.

Who is affected?

Local authorities (planning departments)Landowners and farmers with Grade 1 agricultural landDevelopers and housebuildersPlanning professionals and advisersLocal communities and environmental groups

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

11 May 2011

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Planning (Grade 1 Agricultural Land Protection)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.