Self Build Plots

HelpWhereIcan

Hi Guys

Looking for some advice from the pooled wisdom of MSE.

I have plans to self build as my next move (jump up to the next rung the normal way just too big). I know all about sorting the financial side of it, have an architect, planning, builder etc all sorted; but am struggling with the plot side of things.

I have registered for Plotsearch, but nowt in my area worth looking at that isn't more suited to developing 2/3 properties. Obviously aware that I may need to bide my time till the right plot comes along but Mrs HWIC believes in immediate action!

Would ideally like something rural, pond/lake, woodland, bit of space and am prepared to take a gamble and look to buy farmland to get planning after.

Anyone have opinions, know of any search engines, think that the land banks are as bad/better than they're made out to be?

Let me have it people!!

Debt_Free_Chick

HelpWhereIcan wrote:

Would ideally like something rural, pond/lake, woodland, bit of space and am prepared to take a gamble and look to buy farmland to get planning after.

This is going to be very difficult and very high risk. There is a general planning presumption against building residential property on agricultural land. If the land has no residential dwelling on it at present, it will be nigh on impossible to get planning permission for one.

When you've found something that might be suitable, you must look at the Local Development Framework for the area in question. This sets out the local authority's broad principles for planning. It will define areas where development will be welcomed - and it will often specify the type of development. In rural areas, the emphasis is likely to be on affordable housing.

Before you commit to buy, you should discuss your outline plans with the local planners. Otherwise, you could own a nice bit of land with no hope of ever building a dwelling on it.

HelpWhereIcan

Debt_Free_Chick wrote:

If the land has no residential dwelling on it at present, it will be nigh on impossible to get planning permission for one.

I take it this would not normally extend to include farmbuildings such as a barn etc.

I have seen one plot that has an abondoned 'old chapel' on it. We have all seen chapels converted into housing, but I believe this one has been used as an agricultural building (shelter for grazing livestock) for quite a few years. Plot is right next to a woodland that is also for sale and I thought could be nice to buy both and build on the plot keeping the woodland as is.

Does anyone know of any portals that will help in my search for a plot.

Debt_Free_Chick

HelpWhereIcan wrote:

I take it this would not normally extend to include farmbuildings such as a barn etc.

Yes, I'm afraid it would. An agricultural building is not a residential dwelling. To convert it, you would need to go apply for "change of use" and demonstrate that continued use as an agricultural building is no longer economically viable - you would need "convincing" evidence.

I have seen one plot that has an abondoned 'old chapel' on it. We have all seen chapels converted into housing, but I believe this one has been used as an agricultural building (shelter for grazing livestock) for quite a few years. Plot is right next to a woodland that is also for sale and I thought could be nice to buy both and build on the plot keeping the woodland as is.

Again, you would have a battle to do much with the woodland. Beware building any structure (including the siting of a mobile home/caravan, log cabin etc) without consulting the planners.

As for the chapel - it might be worth looking in to. It ought to have been reclassified as an agricultural building. If not, you may have found a building that is not agricultural and therefore the planning process to convert to a residential dwelling might be easier. It depends on its current class of use. Phone the planning department and ask them.

You may find Planning Policy Statement 7 useful - it deals with planning aspects of converting agricultural land/buildings.

Also, A farmer's guide to the Planning System. Whilst I accept you are not a farmer, you might find it useful to be aware of what is likely to be acceptable use of farmland/buildings, from the planning point of view.

Does anyone know of any portals that will help in my search for a plot.

Can't help with that one - sorry.

albacore1854

If you try for planning on farmland, odds are you'll get an AOC if they grant it, which means the place'll be worth naff all when you're done anyway.

yogi3

could try http://www.uklanddirectory.org.uk/building-land-for-sale.htm

or remax if you have'nt already. Good luck with it.