North Yorkshire Dairy Farm Seeks Retrospective Approval for Concrete Yards

Broughton Fields Farm, a dairy farm located off the A59 between Broughton and East Marton, Skipton, has submitted a retrospective application to North Yorkshire Council for the retention of two concrete yard areas. The farm, operating under the trading name RM Shackleton, spans over 325 acres and includes several modern agricultural buildings.

The application seeks planning permission for two concrete areas situated to the south of the main cattle building. The first area, measuring 200 square meters, replaced previous concrete that was in poor condition. The second area, covering 295 square meters, replaced a dirt and rubble track.

The concreting work was carried out between June 2024 and October 2025 under a Countryside Stewardship Agreement. This agreement involves a grant from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). The supporting documents indicate that the farm requires confirmation from the council on whether planning permission was needed for these works, and if so, whether it has been granted.

According to the applicant's agent, the smaller concrete section was a repair on the same footprint as the previous structure and not considered a new development. This point is highlighted in the documents to argue that permission might not be necessary for that section.

The farm's application outlines the necessity of these improvements to maintain the operational efficiency and safety of the farmyard. It is part of broader efforts to modernize and maintain the infrastructure necessary for dairy farming operations.