Foxes rural logo

Welcome to Foxes Rural.

We are the leading permitted development and planning permission experts for farmers. We have a unique guarantee of having any permitted development planning application submitted to the Local Planning Authority within 28 days of being instructed.

Leading Foxes Rural are Guy French and Melanie Bingham Wallis. Melanie spearheads the planning consultancy aspect of the business, while Guy serves as the visionary and creator. Motivated by the triumphs of his personal farming enterprises, Guy identified the need to expand his expertise to provide professional advice to farming and rural clients. His leadership reflects a dedication to delivering unmatched guidance and support, solidifying Foxes Rural as a trusted partner for those navigating the intricacies of farming and rural ventures.
As farmers ourselves, we understand the paramount importance of aligning a farm planning consultancy with your best interests, backed by a pragmatic agricultural assessment of your unique situation. Our company prides itself on being both innovative and realistic in delivering planning advice.

With a foundation rooted in establishing diversified farming businesses and earning recognition through accolades like the Essex Agricultural Society President’s Award, we stand out as dynamic, energetic, and enthusiastic experts in the rural practice sector. Our approach to professional advice for farmers is consistently fresh and innovative.

What sets us apart is our offering of a unique turnkey solution designed to secure planning permission on your farm seamlessly—from inception to completion. This approach stems from our proven track record of consistent success in obtaining planning permissions for farms.

Moreover, as experts in planning permission for farmers, we extend our services to include an Expert Witness service specifically for matters related to agricultural permitted development and planning. Reach out to our team for further information on how we can assist you.
The provision of professional advice where we have our own practical farm business knowledge assists in approaching projects in a dynamic way.
Hence, we directly align with farmers' objectives and comprehend the intricacies of running a farming business. Our guidance offers tailored expertise, and we furnish customised quotes for each project, ensuring transparency and eliminating any concealed costs in our advice.
We pride ourselves on our professional standards and integrity which provides realistic and honest advice to our clients to help move their businesses forward and maximise their asset potential. 
We want to be as excited about your farm business as you are and would love to work with you to take your farm business forward!  Therefore, if you want to investigate your permitted development rights or need to obtain planning permission on your farm, speak to us as the leading experts. 
Meet the team

What our clients are saying

We instructed the services of Foxes Rural to oversee the planning application process for a multi-purpose agricultural building. This structure is designed to accommodate both farm machinery and a dedicated farm office, contributing significantly to the expansion of our current farmyard facilities.
Ed Ford - Childerditch Farms Partner
I worked with Foxes Rural relating to a planning application for our a new agricultural building and farm access.  Melanie came out to the farm to inspect in a swift manner and we achieve permission within a matter of weeks.  A very swift and efficient service where I was kept well informed during the planning process.  We also worked with Foxes Rural in respect of the change of use of agricultural buildings to commercial and they swiftly resolved issues with the planning officer which facilitated the move of the new tenant and achieved the approval within the agreed timeframe.
Andrew Fairley - Henry Fairley and Son Limited Farmer
Over the last six years Guy and Melanie have helped secure multiple planning permissions for us. They are always a pleasure to work with and to date have had a 100% success rate in what we have set out to achieve. These have included new barns for arable, equine and storage, as well as residential extensions and refurbishment.  The Foxes approach is always pragmatic and realistic to achieving a successful planning outcome. I would highly recommend their services. 
Essex Farmer
Melanie worked with us to prepare a Class R change of use of one of our pole barns to commercial.  This was a permitted development application and Melanie came up with an innovative way of approaching the application and the change of use.  We have now completed the building which is providing diversified income for our farming enterprise.
Wendy French - A R French & Son Farmer
I instructed Foxes Rural to undertake planning for a new farm yard and grain store on our farm.  Guy came up with the solution of applying for both of these proposals using our permitted development rights rather than full planning.  Melanie handled the preparation and submission of our application and within a matter of weeks from issuing instructions I received approvals for both proposals.  The applications were comprehensively drafted and the company had an excellent understanding of how the planning process works on farms.
Robert Chamley - J W Chamley & Son Farmer
We instructed Guy and his team to prepare a planning application for the relocation of our business to the Tendring District.  We had outgrown our previous unit and wanted to relocate to a rural location which gives us space to expand.  The planning application for the commercial change of use for an agricultural building was submitted quickly and efficiently.  The application had a number of issues that arose following its submission based on concerns from the planning officer.  Guy co-ordinated these issues very quickly and found solutions on our behalf to overcome these to enable us to have the planning consent we needed for the operation of our business.  This planning permission has enabled our business to implement rapid growth plans and there has been significant value in the permission that Foxes Rural achieved for us.
Matthew Amodio - Amobox Ltd Director
I started working with Foxes Rural two years ago on a planning application for an Agricultural Grain and Straw Store. Melanie has since achieved permission for us on multiple projects and assisted us through a retrospective planning application. Her unique and novel approach to the planning justification led to permission being granted on land we have wanted to develop since moving to the farm 20 years ago. 
Farmer in Kent

Our Planning Guides