What Are Agricultural Ties or Restrictions?
Agricultural ties, also known as agricultural occupancy restrictions (AOCs), are planning conditions imposed on certain properties to ensure they are only occupied by individuals engaged in agriculture or forestry work. These restrictions are designed to preserve rural land for farming and limit housing developments in agricultural areas.
How Do Agricultural Ties Work?
When a property has an agricultural tie, the occupant must be someone who works in agriculture, or is a dependent of someone who works in the industry. These restrictions are often placed on homes built on farmland to ensure that the property serves the local farming community.
Key points include:
- The occupant must be employed in agriculture or forestry.
- The property cannot be sold or rented to individuals outside of the agricultural sector without removal of the restriction.
- Agricultural ties affect the value of the property, often reducing it compared to similar unrestricted properties.
Why Are Agricultural Ties Imposed?
Agricultural ties are used to ensure that rural areas remain available for farming communities and to prevent the overdevelopment of housing in areas where farmland is essential. Local councils impose these restrictions to protect agricultural land and maintain affordable housing for farm workers.
Can Agricultural Restrictions Be Removed?
In some cases, property owners may apply to have the agricultural tie lifted, but this can be a complex process. To remove the restriction, owners typically need to prove that the property is no longer needed for agricultural use, or that it has been marketed unsuccessfully to eligible buyers for a significant period.
The Impact of Agricultural Ties on Property Value
Agricultural ties usually lower the market value of a property, as they restrict who can buy or occupy the home. This can make it harder to sell the property, especially if there is a limited pool of potential buyers who meet the criteria.
