Best and most versatile agricultural land
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) suggests best and most versatile as being "Land in grades 1, 2 and 3a of the Agricultural Land Classification." For further information regarding development on agricultural land refer to the UK Gov and Natural England document: Guide to assessing development proposals on agricultural land.
This definition was repeated in the revised NPPF in 2024.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Agricultural tenancy.
- Article 4 direction.
- Change of use class.
- Local development order.
- National planning policy framework.
- Permitted development.
- Permitted development rights for the change of use of agricultural buildings.
- Planning enforcement.
- Planning permission.
- Prior approval.
- Small holding.
- Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order.
- Use class.
Featured articles and news
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.