Proposals to simplify the planning system have been praised by farmers’ leaders.

Government consultation on plans to simplify the amount of information required for planning permission is a step towards reducing bureaucracy, the National Farmers’ Union, which has been lobbying for changes, says.

The consultation focuses on design and access statements, the information required to accompany an application, and the right to appeal if an applicant considers the local authority is asking for unnecessary information. It will also consult on plans to scrap the need to set out reasons why permission is granted.

NFU planning policy adviser Ivan Moss said: “These are sensible measures which, if implemented, will reduce the amount of bureaucracy associated with submitting a planning application.

“What matters is not the number of boxes ticked but the quality of the decision making. I hope the Government will speedily implement these proposals and we will be responding to the consultation to that effect.”