Selling off part of garden

2tired2tango

How about employing a gardener to look after the entire garden instead?

as with everything its all down to money, she only has the state pension she used to have a guy come that did all the gardening free of charge, we just allowed him to do whatever he wanted, he just loved gardening, but he recently passed away

moneyistooshorttomention

2tired2tango wrote: »

We did actually put out that idea but he wasnt interested in that, only to buy

Well that sounds rather suspicious then that he's after that land for another reason than the stated one.

I'm not sure that a building (ie his house) being Listed is necessarily going to protect it from being demolished and the site used for something else.

1. With our country steadily becoming more and more overcrowded, then I think pressure will be there for all "available avenues" to be explored to cram more people in. Don't suppose you're living in the South of England are you by any chance (ie our most overcrowded/in demand bit of the country)?

2. Some of us have heard of unwanted buildings (very coincidentally of course:cool:) having something happen to them that meant they had to be demolished - eg a very convenient fire. Don't know how often it happens - but it does happen.....

Personally - I don't think I'd trust this neighbour after hearing he's not prepared to get the use of the land (with permission) for free. In his position - I'd leap at the chance of getting the use of a bit of land that size for my children for the sake of maintaining it - if that's what I REALLY wanted.

moneyistooshorttomention

essjae wrote: »

If she isn't interested in looking after the garden herself, and the neighbor genuinely only wants it as a play area, why not just fence the area off and give him permission to use it?

That way, she retains control over it, and could rescind permission anytime if it doesn't work out.

No fees to pay, both sides gain something they want, and if it does work out then they could formalize the agreement and rent/sell the land to him at a later date.

That would need VERY careful legal documentation - to make sure he couldnt "adversely possess" it.

moneyistooshorttomention

Throwing in another suggestion to the mix here - in her position I think I'd probably look for a community group that wanted a bit of land to grow food on. The "price" they'd pay for that would be they paid legal fees (shouldnt be that much I would have thought?) to get a suitable agreement drawn up about it.

In return - I'd get first dibs on the produce grown on my land.

That would be a bargain to them - as one person (plus occasional visitors) isn't going to want much for themselves and the community group would get the vast majority of it.

I've known of this being done and a nominal rent being paid for the land (ie that saved drawing up any legal agreement I believe). So that's a possibility to look into as well - eg letting a community group have the use for foodgrowing only for a peppercorn rent.

She could try asking a suitable community-minded local church if they have any suggestions about such a community group.

There's also the Incredible Edible schemes now starting up across the country (eg Incredible Edible Todmorden started this).

I'd say that would be win/win. She gets a bit of (organic fresh) food for herself and someone to chat to sometimes if she wants and her garden is maintained. The community group gets free organic food.

I know I take the view personally that I might as well grow however much food I think I will in my garden - as someone will want it if it's too much for me (whether that be friends/nicer neighbours/the local Foodbank). It won't go to waste.

foxy-stoat

2tired2tango wrote: »

Nshe doesnt want the hassle of the garden anymore its just looking like a right mess with everything overgrown

I think you should do your Mum a favour and look after this part of the garden for her.

Selling part of your garden while you still live in the property is a hideous idea, especially for this small sum - the neighbour isnt being very neighbourly to your Mum.

PasturesNew

2tired2tango wrote: »

...you would need a very large crane to lift anything over buildings ...

I've just lived next to a building site with excellent road access - yet all the large pieces WERE craned in.

First they demolished.
Then the foundations went in.
Then the pre-made timber walls etc were craned in.
Later on other materials were also craned in.

Biggun it was! Not big on the road, but by golly that went up a long way and reached over a long way.

Cakeguts

Are you allowed to split up the plot if there is a listed building on it?

2tired2tango

I think you should do your Mum a favour and look after this part of the garden for her.

Selling part of your garden while you still live in the property is a hideous idea, especially for this small sum - the neighbour isnt being very neighbourly to your Mum.

Sadly i cant do it due to illness otherwise i would jump at the chance

moneyistooshorttomention

Agreed with PN.

I've watched tv programmes of massive great things craned over houses. If it's worth it - someone might do it.

foxy-stoat

Anyone else that can?

I would advise against selling part of the garden - better off selling the property and moving somewhere that is more suitable.