Agricultural Land Classification and Soil Statement

Required for:

Applications that affect the best and most versatile agricultural land (Grades 1, 2 or 3a)


Guidance

The following should be included:

  1. The quality of existing agricultural land and soil quality land grade classification
  2. How the agricultural land classification would be protected or on completion of proposed operation, would be returned to the same agricultural land grade classification
  3. The quality of any agricultural land lost and justification for its loss
  4. Measures to safeguard soil quality during storage and restoration
  5. The quality and origin of imported soils/other waste materials and how they would improve the land for agricultural purposes

Links to Useful Guidance

Natural England: Agricultural Land Classification