Planning for the Next Generation

Planning for the Next Generation: Why Farms Need a Whole‑Farm Development Approach

Most farms don’t fail because of infrastructure deficiencies. They fail because the business hasn’t adapted fast enough to support the next generation.  This can lead to a gaping hole in farm finances making an already challenging rural economy too much for many small to medium family farms. 

Younger family members understand this better than anyone. They know, that in many cases they can’t rely on traditional farming alone to make a living —margins are tight, regulations are heavy, and there may be several siblings who want to stay involved in the business.

The future of multi‑generational farming depends on one thing:

A whole‑farm development plan that looks at the holding as a single, holistic system.

And planning is the tool that makes that possible.

The Reality: One Farm, Several Adults, One Income Stream

This is the pressure point on almost every family farm I visit.

You might have:

• Parents overseeing day to day farm operations

• One sibling keen interest one aspect of farming operations

• Another interested in tourism or food

• Another with trade or digital skills

• A partner who wants to bring in a small business

• Children coming up behind them

The land can’t stretch unless the business does. And the business can’t stretch unless the planning framework allows it.

This is where most families get stuck.

Why Piecemeal Development Doesn’t Work Anymore

For years, farms have added things as needed:

• a shed here

• a pod there

• a barn conversion when it’s no longer fit for purpose

• a track resurfaced because it’s become a swamp

• a slurry store replaced because the inspector said so

That approach can work when it is single generation.

It does not work when:

• multiple adults need income

• the farm needs several enterprises

• tourism, retail, workshops or environmental schemes are on the table

• the yard layout is already tight

• access is limited

• neighbours are close

• the landscape is sensitive

• the farm is in a National Park or Green Belt

Without a whole‑farm plan, you end up with:

• conflict

• wasted money

• planning refusals

• poor siting

• inefficient yards

• lost opportunities

And once the wrong building goes in the wrong place, you’re stuck with ineffective and often expensive farm infrastructure for a generational timeframe. 

The Whole‑Farm Development Approach

This is the approach that works for multi‑generational farms.

Step 1 — Understand the holding

Not just the buildings — the whole system:

• land use

• access

• drainage

• yard layout

• environmental constraints

• landscape sensitivity

• underused corners

• redundant buildings

• potential tourism assets

• potential enterprise spaces

Step 2 — Understand the family

Every family has different skills and ambitions:

• to carry on farming and modernise

• to diversify with associated agri business

• to utilise building stock for other business

• to consider development opportunities be it land or redevelopment of buildings for non-farming uses

• to explore environmental land management opportunities

A good plan can make space for all of this.

Map opportunities against limitations

This is where planning judgement matters.

• What’s possible under PD?

• What needs Prior Approval?

• What needs full planning?

• What infrastructure is needed?

• What needs specialist input?

• What material considerations are there?

Build a phased development strategy

Not everything can happen at once.

A well-considered timeline for developing might look like this:

• Year 1–2: infrastructure (drainage, access, yard layout)

• Year 2–4: first diversification project

• Year 4–6: second enterprise or conversion

• Year 6–10: environmental schemes or renewables

Taking manageable, targeted steps to reach the final vision for the holding, securing it for future generations is the sustainable route. 

Deliver the first permission

This is the catalyst. Once the first permission lands, everything else becomes easier:

• It is a tangible for banks

• confidence grows

• the family sees progress

• the next steps fall into place

Where Planning Helps — and Why It’s the Missing Piece

Good Planning isn’t just about securing permission by any means. It’s about shaping the future of the holding. Taking a long-term view to create a sustainable future. 

Good Planning can:

• create space for each generation

• protect the core agricultural business

• unlock new income streams

• reduce conflict between siblings

• avoid wasted investment

• future‑proof the farm

• support environmental schemes

• make diversification viable

• give the business structure and direction

Most importantly:

Planning turns ideas into assets.

A barn conversion, a workshop, a tourism unit, a new yard — these aren’t just buildings. They’re income streams. They’re succession tools. They’re the foundation of a multi‑generational future.

The Takeaway

If a farm wants to support several adults — and stay in the family — it needs more than good stockmanship and hard work.

It needs:

• a clear plan

• a structured approach

• a realistic view of opportunities and limitations

• a phased development strategy

• and planning permissions that unlock the next 20 years

A whole‑farm development approach is the only way to get there.

It’s practical. It’s grounded. It’s honest. And it’s the difference between a farm that survives — and a farm that thrives.

Kenyon‑Holmes Rural Planning is here to help you plan your farm’s future with clear, realistic, whole‑farm development advice.