New Build in the Countryside? Planning Possible?

John_M_Business

Hi there

I have the opportunity to acquire some land in deepest Hampshire, but at the moment it sits outside the 'new build' boundaries. It's on the edge of a village, on the road and currently fallow 'unused' land. There is a small shed on it, but not what could be termed a building / home.

I realise, too, that it is slap-bang in the centre of 'Nimbyville UK', so there's a separate issue of getting approval from the neighbours.

Does anyone know whether:
- If there are any 'exceptions' where builds can be made on this - or is it just 'too bad'?
- If there are any particularly good companies to talk to about this kind of land?
- If there are going to be any changes in planning conditions given the dearth of housing in the South East?
- If there are any other thoughts / opinions you might have on the matter?

If anyone out there has any experience, then please send me through some thoughts.

Thanks for your help.

Debt_Free_Chick

Speak to the local Planning Officer. Contrary to popular belief they are not there simply to stop all planning applications - but they do want to see development undertaken in accordance with the local requirements, so call them.

It looks like you may be applying for change of use. Do you know what the land is currently designated as? Amenity land? Agricultural? Is it in a conservation area? An AONB? All of these things could mean that you are in for a long, hard slog with no guarantee of success, so call the Planning Officer. And try the website for the local/district council.

As for neighbours' objections - an objection (or several) does not necessarily mean that the application will fail. Objections are taken into account, but if the application is within the planning requirements for the area, then it's unlikely to fail just due to neighbours' objections.

HTH

Sofa_Sogood

John_M_Business wrote:

Hi there

I have the opportunity to acquire some land in deepest Hampshire, but at the moment it sits outside the 'new build' boundaries.
I realise, too, that it is slap-bang in the centre of 'Nimbyville UK', so there's a separate issue of getting approval from the neighbours.

Does anyone know whether:
- If there are any 'exceptions' where builds can be made on this - or is it just 'too bad'?
- If there are any particularly good companies to talk to about this kind of land?
If anyone out there has any experience, then please send me through some thoughts.

Thanks for your help.

Hi there.

I moved into a house that had green belt all around it. Imagine how it felt when a caravan company moved in at the back of the house. It was a nightmare. That's 'nimbyland', so expect some complaints, it goes with the territory. So you might think you're in greenbelt, then some company can open it's doors near to you, making the place less profitable?

In fact, does green belt mean anything anymore?

John? Why not buy within the new build boundaries?

Hampshire's a lovely place. I hope you settle there eventually, but not at the cost of someone elses space?

Good luck.

John_M_Business

... the reason why I can't buy within new build boundaries in the area I want (i.e. near my Wife's parents) is that ALL the land designated for New Builds in that area already have houses on - i.e. impossible to 'new build' on!!! It's ridiculous.

My sympathies on the caravan issue. I can understand how people feel. The land I could be acquiring is surrounded by fields, I must admit I would be livid if the field surrounding it suddenly got earmarked for development.

Debt_Free_Chick

John_M_Business wrote:

The land I could be acquiring is surrounded by fields, I must admit I would be livid if the field surrounding it suddenly got earmarked for development.

Nimby

Seriously, you should expect objections then. But, as I say, objections do not lead to refusal for planning permission - they are part of the considerations, though.

If you do get permission, I'd expect a requirement for the property to be "in keeping" with the surroundings, so vital to get the Planning Officer's view.

And you'll need an application for change of use, too ... but the Planning Officer will help with that.

Which District Council is it?

HTH

John_M_Business

East Hampshire... not that it really matters.

Debt_Free_Chick

I guess you've had a look at the Guidance on their website?

Sofa_Sogood

John_M_Business wrote:

... the reason why I can't buy within new build boundaries in the area I want (i.e. near my Wife's parents) is that ALL the land designated for New Builds in that area already have houses on - i.e. impossible to 'new build' on!!! It's ridiculous.

My sympathies on the caravan issue. I can understand how people feel. The land I could be acquiring is surrounded by fields, I must admit I would be livid if the field surrounding it suddenly got earmarked for development.

You're not trying to live near me are you?? lol

Strangely enough, in the last week, someone's just applied to build on fields next to my neighbour. As the villagers usually veto people building garages, or even changing garage doors, it'll be interesting to see the outcome of this application , especially as the neighbour thinks he bought his house on the understanding there'd be no more houses being built.

Seriously, I can see both sides of it. People want to get on the property ladder and us nimby's don't want the fields to be anything but fields.

Good luck btw.