farmers hoping to diversify are being baffled by complex planning policies, landowners have said.

The Country Land and Business Association believes that farmers are becoming entangled in red tape as they seek new opportunities.

Now the organisation is launching an initiative which it hopes will provide practical help.

The publication of an insider's guide to planning systems in the region is to be followed by a seminar on farm diversification and planning issues, offering instant advice from Yorkshire's leading professional experts.

"As more and more farmers are forced to consider some kind of alternative enterprise, often for the first time, so we are finding that they quicklybecome bogged down," said regional advisor Jane Harrison.

"It isn't at all surprising when you consider that a wholly different set of rules apply, varying from area to area.

"We are aiming to provide affordable professional advice."

An independent professional planning advice service, called Yorkshire Planning Aid, has been set up by the Yorkshire and Humber branch of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Its members and the Country Land and Business Association will run a seminar in Wakefield on Tuesday, June 17, for farmers and landowners considering diversification schemes or who are looking to expand them.

The event has received funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Details of the seminar and copies of the guide to Yorkshire's planning systems, called Making the Most of your Farm, are available from the association on (01347) 823803.