8 February 2013

2 minute read

Europe

In the first event of its kind, the Wessex branch of the Rural & Industrial Design & Building Association (RIDBA) is holding a national conference at the Guildhall, Bath, on Friday, 19 April, to examine the issues and opportunities surrounding farm building design over the next 10-15 years.

Attracting high profile national and international speakers, the conference will cover the impact of emerging agricultural policies and farm enterprise scale, the influence of building design on enterprise performance, as well as increasing landscape protection and planning considerations.

"As the farming industry develops, buildings are getting larger and having to deliver more than ever before," says Peter Chance, Wessex secretary of RIDBA. "There is increasing pressure to protect the countryside, and planning permission is becoming more difficult to obtain. Design and siting of farm buildings is vitally important – but we must always remember that farming made the countryside as we all know and enjoy it and must be allowed to adapt to change.

"Farm buildings are capable of delivering more than just a roof over the heads of animals, crops or machinery," he adds. "With the right design and build, they can be both functional and attractive. It is only right that we celebrate those who excel in achieving these objectives: Complementing the local landscape, being fit for purpose and designed with sustainability in mind."

The conference is a free-standing event and will be followed by an evening dinner at which writer and broadcaster Kate Humble will be the guest speaker and will present the inaugural Farm Building Awards.

A full programme of the event is available by clicking here. To reserve a place book online or contact Tony Hutchinson, national RIDBA secretary, on 01449 676049.

TheCattleSite News Desk