The new standing advice on ammonia from Natural England is seen by local farmer representatives as a way of unblocking the planning deadlock in Northern Ireland.
The new standing advice in England effectively streamlines the planning process for replacement sheds.
ADVERTISEMENT
An environmental watchdog is reviewing new planning permission rules in England which has made it easier to get approval for replacement farm sheds.
The new standing advice on ammonia was published by Natural England in October 2025 and is seen by local farmer representatives as a way of unblocking the planning deadlock in NI.
Natalie Prosser from the Office of Environmental Protection (OEP) said the watchdog is “currently reviewing” aspects of Natural England’s new standing advice.
ADVERTISEMENT
“That work is on-going and we have not come to any conclusions at this time,” Prosser said in response to questions from the Irish Farmers Journal.
The opinion of the OEP is important as the watchdog started legal proceedings against DAERA in November 2023 over the planning guidance that was being used in NI at the time.
The new standing advice in England effectively streamlines the planning process for replacement sheds that do not lead to increased ammonia emissions.
Prosser said the OEP was “aware of the potential relevance” of how Natural England’s new approach to planning rules for farm buildings could help shape policy in NI.
“Any conclusions we come to will help inform our work in that jurisdiction,” she said.
Register for free to read this story and our free stories.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
An environmental watchdog is reviewing new planning permission rules in England which has made it easier to get approval for replacement farm sheds.
The new standing advice on ammonia was published by Natural England in October 2025 and is seen by local farmer representatives as a way of unblocking the planning deadlock in NI.
Natalie Prosser from the Office of Environmental Protection (OEP) said the watchdog is “currently reviewing” aspects of Natural England’s new standing advice.
“That work is on-going and we have not come to any conclusions at this time,” Prosser said in response to questions from the Irish Farmers Journal.
The opinion of the OEP is important as the watchdog started legal proceedings against DAERA in November 2023 over the planning guidance that was being used in NI at the time.
The new standing advice in England effectively streamlines the planning process for replacement sheds that do not lead to increased ammonia emissions.
Prosser said the OEP was “aware of the potential relevance” of how Natural England’s new approach to planning rules for farm buildings could help shape policy in NI.
“Any conclusions we come to will help inform our work in that jurisdiction,” she said.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS