Lovely property, but do we buy?

metroman

Hi everyone

We have found this delightful property which I would like to place an offer on, but there are some things which are concerning me ....

The property is situated only about 30 metres from a small private infants school for 70 boys which is open for 30 weeks of the year, and I am not quite sure as to what noise levels to expect when the pupils are out of the building during playtime and sports lessons etc.

Also the property stands on greenbelt land, and because the property and school have already been built there, it is like the greenbelt has already been breached, and I feel there could be a compelling argument for development.

The property also is said to be located within 500 metres of a landfill site. I think looking at a bird eyes view on a map, it looks as though its approx 400 metres away.

This is proving to be a very hard decision for us to make, because we feel we have found a real gem, but I dont know what problems could arise in the future pertaining to the three points I have mentioned above e.g. its future value etc etc

Any comments would be hugely appreciated

pawpurrs

There will certainley be noise levels from the school, and increased traffic, your best bet, would be to do a drive by at different times of the day and see how the noise would affect the property.

Doozergirl

Landfill isn't much of an issue if it isn't current - a lot of those that come up in searches aren't. It's more about lorries and smells than any contamination of land at that distance.

How old is the school, the house? If the land surrounding it is greenbelt, it's greenbelt, you can't build on it, there's no compelling reasons for building on it even if buildings were put there before it was allocated greenbelt. Speak to the planning office about the local development plan if you are concerned.

Are you in during the day? We lived opposite a primary school once and I can't say it ever caused an issue - that was a big one in London as well. I was gone before they arrived and they'd gone before I'd got back. Even then, they're only outside for about an hour and half out of every day and as it's a primary school there won't be any anti-social behaviour.

My little boy goes to a school of 70 pupils and even though it's on a tiny lane, the parents are considerate about not blocking people's drives, I wouldn't mind living in the house opposite - parents will always want to live near school, especially a good one.

chickmug

I will agree with all that doozergirls says.

We lived in a cul de sac, directly next to a primary school, and never felt any problems with the children. The parents were sometimes thoughtless with their parking but is was only 'drop off' and 'pick up' times. The head of the school worked to ensure a good relationship with the houseowners in the cul de sac.

lincroft1710

This thread proves there is no such thing as the "perfect" property, but I don't think the problems are that bad. If it was "perfect", price could easily be 10% to 25% more.

spuds_2

Only the parking issue would bother me. If it's a private school it's more likely that children will live further away and arrive by car. I would try to be there in the morning and afternoon, just to get a feel for how congested and parked-up the road gets. If you feel you can live with it, I would go ahead if you like the house.

I don't think noise will be an issue at all.

V.Lucky

I live next to a school, although not by the entrance. It's noisy at playtimes, 15 mins am and pm, and 50mins at lunchtime. However, we are at work during this time and at night it's bliss, no neighbours and peace and quiet. Weekends too.

As others have said try driving up and parking at drop off and pick up times and also playtimes to judge the nuisance factor.

lasci

Hi metroman

I grew up in a small village in a house attached to a primary school and never had any trouble, although I did go to the school so I obviously was only at home when the school wasn't open. My mum was at home a lot and wasn't too disturbed by the noise, more the kids losing the ball in the garden, but even that wasn't a major problem. I guess it just depends on how much you are going to be home during the day really, and how much noise you are used to/prepared for. If you have kids then its useful having a school so close!

I hope this helps....

Geenie

chickmug wrote: »

I will agree with all that doozergirls says.

We lived in a cul de sac, directly next to a primary school, and never felt any problems with the children. The parents were sometimes thoughtless with their parking but is was only 'drop off' and 'pick up' times. The head of the school worked to ensure a good relationship with the houseowners in the cul de sac.

You are lucky then. There have been years of tussles between the local primary school and near by housing where I live, because of parking and blocking roads during drop off / pick up times!

chickmug

Geenie wrote: »

You are lucky then. There have been years of tussles between the local primary school and near by housing where I live, because of parking and blocking roads during drop off / pick up times!

It was long time ago and I suspect more Mums have cars or should I say 4x4's and that they are less inclined to walk if they can drive?

charliee_3

i personally wouldnt be bothered about the school, but i woudl be bothered about the stink that could kick up from the landfill on a hot day when the wind is blowing in the right direction... yuck..