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Agricultural land grades (1 to 5) explained

The Agricultural Land Classification grades farmland from 1 (excellent) to 5 (very poor). Grades 1, 2 and 3a are called best and most versatile land and get extra weight in planning decisions.

The grades

• Grade 1: no or very minor limitations.
• Grade 2: minor limitations that affect crop yield, cultivations or harvesting.
• Grade 3: moderate limitations. Subgrade 3a gives moderate to high yields of a narrow range of arable crops, especially cereals. Subgrade 3b gives moderate yields of a narrow range of crops, principally cereals and grass.
• Grade 4: severe limitations, mainly suited to grass with occasional arable crops.
• Grade 5: very severe limitations, restricting use to permanent pasture or rough grazing.

Why it matters in planning

Best and most versatile (BMV) land is grades 1 to 3a. Planning guidance says to avoid unnecessary loss of it, and councils must consult Natural England where a proposal not in an approved plan would lose 20 hectares or more.

What it means if you own or are buying

The grade is about the land, not a house. It matters mostly if you are buying land or a home with fields, or the land next to you may be developed. It is not a guide to a property's value.

We do not yet show agricultural land grades on our pages.

Common questions

What is best and most versatile agricultural land?

Land graded 1, 2 or 3a in the Agricultural Land Classification.

What is the difference between grade 3a and 3b?

3a land gives moderate to high yields of a narrow range of arable crops, especially cereals. 3b gives moderate yields of a narrow range of crops, principally cereals and grass.

Official sources

• Guide to assessing development proposals on agricultural land (GOV.UK) (accessed 2 October 2026)

General information, not legal, planning or surveying advice. Check with the council and a qualified professional before relying on it. Other guides: Flood zones 1, 2 and 3, Listed building grades (I, II*, II), Conservation areas, Article 4 directions, Tree preservation orders.