business rates

[pinetree paddocks]

Hi to all, can anybody tell me if using a building for splitting , drying , and storing logs prior to resale is subject to business rates the trees will come from are own land.

[Billy68]

Yes it is

[openspaceman]

Yes it is

 

What if the barn and wood processing is part of an agricultural or forestry enterprise, or even within the curtilage of a dwelling.

 

Either way it generally needs someone to bring it to the attention of VOA.

[Billy68]

As soon as you start to make money somone will shop you

[ballibeg]

If it's on the holding/farm where the wood is harvested then no rates.

 

Off the farm log processing deemed an industrial process by the planners.

[Billy68]

You will find that you will need planning permission

[R5log]

If it's on the holding/farm where the wood is harvested then no rates.

 

Off the farm log processing deemed an industrial process by the planners.

 

 

Is that correct??

[Billy68]

Simple way to find out ring your local planning office they will tell you straight away

[openspaceman]

Is that correct??

 

Yes subject to context.

 

If you are processing agricultural products grown on agricultural land as part of an agricultural enterprise then it is exempt from rates. If a third party, not being involved in agriculture, rents premises on a farm to convert bought in produce then they may take a different view but there is scope for bringing such business within the agricultural enterprise.

 

Agricultural land in this context is defined by the local government finance act and that says "land used for a plantation of wood or a wood or for the growth of saleable underwood."

[openspaceman]

Simple way to find out ring your local planning office they will tell you straight away

 

Maybe simple but why invite problems