Planning agent for Agricultural Developments - Is there anything to it?

onrail

Folks,

I've been recently looking through a few planning application document packages for agricultural sheds, milking parlours etc and am becoming increasingly convinced that there's very little to it:

- Site plans
- Building plans and elevations (often straightforward)
- Application documents
- Screening
- GAP compliance (effluent storage etc)

So much so, that I'm thinking of setting up a consultancy business on the side. I work as an engineer by profession; my drafting skills are mediocre at best but I think I've enough to meet the standards I've seen. My knowledge of the legislation is also lacking, but getting to grips with ever changing guidance is something I do every day.

Or am I missing something?

Historically, all such buildings would have been constructed without planning, but it's now required for TAMS/Grant applications - it follows that planning requirements don't seem to be especially stringent.

To be clear, I don't see myself replacing an architect/specialist engineer for anything complex such as a dwelling house or heavily commercial operation...not yet anyway...

What are people's opinions on this? Would it be a feasible nixer?

Metric Tensor

Compliance with the Dept of Agriculture specs is essential and bear in mind that for TAMS the construction has to be close to exactly what's on the planning application. I've heard that they are very strict with dimensions when checking for compliance - so to some up in this case it'll probably be tougher to meet the Depth of Ag requirements than the planning ones!

As always - don't scratch without getting PI insurance first!!!

Poor Uncle Tom

Metric Tensor wrote: »

Compliance with the Dept of Agriculture specs is essential and bear in mind that for TAMS the construction has to be close to exactly what's on the planning application. I've heard that they are very strict with dimensions when checking for compliance - so to some up in this case it'll probably be tougher to meet the Depth of Ag requirements than the planning ones!

As always - don't scratch without getting PI insurance first!!!

Exactly this....

The TAMS applications are on cycles atm, (next closing is in April) the usual fee to make a grant application is €750, there would be consequences if Dept specs are not adhered to, changing planning permission drawings to comply with Dept specs can have an effect on the permission, so basically PI cover is essential, imo.

onrail

Thanks for the replies.
Appreciate the possible need for PI. If the department specs are adhered to via relevant dimensions and notes on the drawings - then written into construction contracts (I know, what shed has ever been built with a contract!) then there's little else to cover?
Tbh I'd probably do the first couple for free to get up to speed

Angry bird

From my end of assessing such planning applications, it's all about adhering to Dept of Ag specifications, now I don't particularly check this, but the department re grant sure as hell will. The vast majority of further information requests are about stocking rates, sufficient lands, buffer zones to streams, aerial photos, again to ensure they adhere to department specifications. You will need an agricultural adviser for this information so perhaps team up with such a person.