TAN 6 changes welcomed

NFU Cymru has welcomed changes made to Technical Advice Note 6 (TAN 6), but is calling on local authorities throughout Wales to act swiftly and implement changes to their planning policies following the launch of the new planning guidance.

NFU Cymru hopes that changes made to TAN 6, announced by the Environment Minister, Jane Davidson, during this week’s Royal Welsh Show, will make rural communities in Wales more sustainable and provide affordable housing for the next generation.

In its evidence submitted to the Welsh Assembly Government, NFU Cymru advocated a number of measures on how TAN 6 could help keep young people in rural areas, changes that NFU Cymru say are vital if Wales is to maintain a productive and competitive agricultural industry.

Bernard Llewellyn, NFU Cymru’s Rural Affairs Board Chairman said, "It is imperative that the next generation are given the opportunities to work on farms and develop their skills as they build their careers in food and farming, but for this to happen, affordable rural housing at their place of work is a must.

"On the other side of the coin it is also just as important that there is adequate, affordable housing available for retiring farmers to help succession planning.

"We welcome these changes to TAN 6, which recognise the changing situation on our farms and better reflect on modern day needs."