I looked into this a while ago.
On the one hand one can do what a lot of people have done and work within the 28 day rule, which obviously can be exceeded if you are sure that nobody is around counting all your flights.
Then after 10 years you can apply for full planning. This requires a log to have been kept of all flights, including AIUI those exceeding the 28 day rule. AIUI, exceeding the 28 day rule is not illegal; the rule merely allows you to do the activity without needing permission.
Another approach, usually discouraged by the farm strip based old-timers in this business (who as often as not do have access to a barn which happens to have the obligatory tractor parked in it), is to take it on the chin and go for full planning up front. Allocate a budget of say £20k to the services of a clever (not aggressive) planning consultant and noise survey specialists, and allow a few years to get there. In the meantime, the 28 day rule can be used but in some ways this may not be a good idea because of the increased provocation. If you fail to get planning you can always revert to the 28 day rule (though you will be watched extra carefully by the locals) but if you do get it, nobody can stop the operation so long as you remain within the terms of the planning permission.
This is a kind of thing which almost everybody says is impossible, but then almost nobody has ever tried it. I spoke to some consultants who though it was definitely feasible.
The trick is to find a piece of land long enough. UK farming has tended to divide land into pieces no bigger than ~ 500m, which severely limits the kind of flying one can do from there.
Lots has been written on this, with many useful tips. One tip is to NOT have a windsock because it attracts passing pilots to drop in - this can really cause you a lot of trouble.
Last edited by IO540; 25th May 2009 at 09:55.