Discovery Soil Management
Agricultural Land Classification (ALC)
Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) is a critical tool for identifying land quality and guiding land use decisions.
If your project involves greenfield development or the potential loss of agricultural land, an ALC assessment may be required to support your planning application.
At Discovery Soil Management, we provide professional ALC surveys in line with Natural England and Welsh Government guidance—helping you navigate the planning system with confidence.
Why you might need an ALC Assessment
- Required under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
- Essential for applications on agricultural or greenfield land
- Mandatory for mineral extraction and waste disposal sites
- Supports sustainable development decisions
ALC surveys are relevant for sites of all sizes. Planning authorities, with input from Natural England or the Welsh Government, will determine the level of detail required.
What Is Agricultural Land Classification?
ALC assesses the suitability of land for agricultural use by evaluating its physical and chemical limitations.
It is used by planning authorities to ensure that the Best and Most Versatile (BMV) land—Grades 1, 2 and Sub-grade 3a—is protected from inappropriate development.
ALC Land Grades Explained
Land is classified into one of five grades based on its long-term agricultural potential:
- Grade 1 – Excellent quality land with minimal limitations
- Grade 2 – Very good quality with minor limitations
- Sub-grade 3a – Good quality, moderate limitations
- Sub-grade 3b – Moderate quality with significant limitations
- Grade 4 – Poor quality with severe restrictions
- Grade 5 – Very poor qua
Why You Might Need an ALC Assessment
- Required under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)
- Essential for applications on agricultural or greenfield land
- Mandatory for mineral extraction and waste disposal sites
- Supports sustainable development decisions
ALC surveys are relevant for sites of all sizes. Planning authorities, with input from Natural England or the Welsh Government, will determine t
What’s included in our ALC Service
We carry out both desk-based research and on-site field surveys to accurately classify your land.
Our service includes:
- Desk Study
- Climate data (temperature, rainfall, frost risk)
- Topography and flood risk
- Published soil and geology data
- Field Survey
- Soil observations using hand-held augers
- Sample density typically 1 per hectare
- Trial pits for detailed profile checks
- Assessment of soil texture, depth, stoniness, drainage, and structure
- Final Report
- Clear summary of site conditions
- Full ALC grading assessment
- Site maps showing distribution of land grades
- Suitable for submission to planning authorities