Planning permission ha s been secured for the removal of an Agricultural Occupancy Condition on a property in Badsey, to allow for its use as an unrestricted Class C3 dwelling.
We successfully demonstrated that the condition was no longer necessary and that the dwelling would, in any case, be acceptable under current local and national planning policy, whilst also contributing to the Council’s open-market housing land supply. Wychavon District Council agreed, concluding that the condition was no longer precise nor reasonable, and it placed an unnecessary burden on both current and future occupiers without serving a specific planning purpose.
Agricultural Occupancy Conditions (commonly referred to as Ag Ties or Ag Tags) have been applied to rural properties since 1948. These conditions are intended to support the agricultural industry by allowing essential workers to live on-site where planning permission would not otherwise have been granted.
However, Agricultural Occupancy Conditions can significantly impact property value, often reducing market prices by up to 30%. While anyone can purchase a property subject to an AOC, only those meeting the occupancy requirements can lawfully reside there.
As such, lifting an Agricultural Occupancy Condition can substantially increase a property’s value. The removal of such a condition would also open access to a wider pool of buyers, simplifies financing, and maximises the potential of both the property and land.
If you own a property which is subject to an Agricultural Occupancy Condition and would like to explore your options, please contact us at mail@brodieplanning.co.uk or call us on 01242 898368. We would be delighted to hear from you.
