buying farmland to extend our garden and build a garage
Discussion
To be honest, if there was an acre of land next to my house I'd happily pay £30k for it, probably more. It's unlikely to be a poor investment in the long term regardless and is far more valuable than the price of a nice car in my view.
If your value of the space is based on being able to get a garage on it, then you might not agree. But if you can't get permission for change of use to allow for a garage, then you can use it for agriculture; plant the boundary with fruit trees, put a large greenhouse in the middle. You'll need some storage for equipment, probably needs a garage-type door....
Can't see you'll get hassle for sitting and enjoying your orchard.
If your value of the space is based on being able to get a garage on it, then you might not agree. But if you can't get permission for change of use to allow for a garage, then you can use it for agriculture; plant the boundary with fruit trees, put a large greenhouse in the middle. You'll need some storage for equipment, probably needs a garage-type door....
Can't see you'll get hassle for sitting and enjoying your orchard.
I appreciate everyone's input, it's why I've always come back to Pistonheads over the years' as it's a great resource for other points of view and experiences.
To date, I have not discussed any figures with the farmer other than what he would expect per sq/m. I have sent him an outline of what I would like to purchase stating we do not intend to develop it other than a garage and he seems open to the idea. I'm currently arranging a time with him to have a cup of tea and discuss further.
I totally agree that you do not want to piss a farmer off (or the neighbours for that matter). If it works out and we can come to an agreement - cool! If not, lets part as friends and at least I've introduced myself properly.
I do like the idea of an orchard...
To date, I have not discussed any figures with the farmer other than what he would expect per sq/m. I have sent him an outline of what I would like to purchase stating we do not intend to develop it other than a garage and he seems open to the idea. I'm currently arranging a time with him to have a cup of tea and discuss further.
I totally agree that you do not want to piss a farmer off (or the neighbours for that matter). If it works out and we can come to an agreement - cool! If not, lets part as friends and at least I've introduced myself properly.
I do like the idea of an orchard...
Davel said:
Is it worth a chat with the local Duty Planning Officer at this time and before you pay out?
He / She can tell you what chance you may have.
Turning Agricultural land into a garden area can be difficult as others have said.
They don't like buildings on agricultural land unless it is related in some way to the classification i.e a tool shed. or stables.
As already said, they don't want to see development of pretty much any type other than related use.
You'd be (or maybe not) about the current planning 'lay of the land' in Scotland just now. Although very much area dependent, I find that the planners perfectly amenable to have a conversation.He / She can tell you what chance you may have.
Turning Agricultural land into a garden area can be difficult as others have said.
They don't like buildings on agricultural land unless it is related in some way to the classification i.e a tool shed. or stables.
As already said, they don't want to see development of pretty much any type other than related use.
We did this a few years ago and there are options. We put an offer based on nominal agri land value in, they counter offered, then their land management agent decided that although we wanted the garden / paddock that we would need to be charged at the develop-able land rate which is ultimately what happened, in our eyes it was worth the money and there were no planning issues for change of use to garden even though we were pretty much greenbelt - we are now building an extension on said land.
You aren't really in much of a position to haggle I find, the hardest bit is if they are willing to sell.
I think worst case you could purchase as agri land with no change of use and plant some vegetables on it, swiftly followed by an nice old static caravan!
The Moose said:
danrc said:
I thought an acre was about 10k?
An acre will be as much or as little as he will sell it for and you will buy it for!He has to look at the lost income from that corner of land also.
Elderly said:
A friend of mine did exactly that. The Council objected - he told them that he was taking a regular hay crop.
We have two paddocks and a stables at home but no animals, so we mow these areas as and when necessary and we have never had any objection.We've done this for 10 years now.
We also placed a new tool shed (summerhouse) where an old stable fell down and in front of the building line.
We've had no issues with anyone.
Outbound said:
Would a planning consultant be useful in helping to establish if a change of use would even be feasible?
In the same position so would be interested in finding out the chances before hand, in Cumbria but not in a conservation area thankfully!
so there are 2 sides to that or probably more!!In the same position so would be interested in finding out the chances before hand, in Cumbria but not in a conservation area thankfully!
1 - a consultant is a waste of money when ultimately you can approach / contact the planning dept and request an pre-planning consultation - there maybe a charge for that relevant-to the time required by the officer, I've never been charged.
2 - a consultant is worth it because they know what precedents have been set and the best route to get what you want and ideally at the best price, they will potentially have planning dept contacts.
I have done the same in both the UK and Italy - you don't get the chance to buy adjoining pieces of land very often so basically if you can and are able then you should.
Whilst you may not get planning straight away (and may not want to actually apply!) then I am sure there will be future opportunities.
Whilst you may not get planning straight away (and may not want to actually apply!) then I am sure there will be future opportunities.
paulrockliffe said:
To be honest, if there was an acre of land next to my house I'd happily pay £30k for it, probably more. It's unlikely to be a poor investment in the long term regardless and is far more valuable than the price of a nice car in my view.
If your value of the space is based on being able to get a garage on it, then you might not agree. But if you can't get permission for change of use to allow for a garage, then you can use it for agriculture; plant the boundary with fruit trees, put a large greenhouse in the middle. You'll need some storage for equipment, probably needs a garage-type door....
Can't see you'll get hassle for sitting and enjoying your orchard.
AIUI that (the greenhouse particularly) would still be a change of use. It's not the case that growing any stuff = agricultural use.If your value of the space is based on being able to get a garage on it, then you might not agree. But if you can't get permission for change of use to allow for a garage, then you can use it for agriculture; plant the boundary with fruit trees, put a large greenhouse in the middle. You'll need some storage for equipment, probably needs a garage-type door....
Can't see you'll get hassle for sitting and enjoying your orchard.
From the map it looks like the land is sheltered by a tree line.
You are in the North East of Scotland, not some overpopulated metropolis.
Personally going to the planners is the last thing I would do. How often do you hear of enforcement action up here?...
I have first hand experience of houses being built up here without planning or warrants.
Get it bought.
(that is unless the neighbours hate you already!)
You are in the North East of Scotland, not some overpopulated metropolis.
Personally going to the planners is the last thing I would do. How often do you hear of enforcement action up here?...
I have first hand experience of houses being built up here without planning or warrants.
Get it bought.
(that is unless the neighbours hate you already!)
I met the landowner yesterday and had a good yap. Hes happy to sell as much or as little as we need but doesn't want to render a chunk of the land unusable for machinery- fair enough! He checked the going rate for land to convert to garden use and its 20 sq/m which is fine. He even said we can apply for planning for a garage even though he owns the land and he'll sign it off to get the ball rolling - next stop is a family friend who happens to be an architect in the local area.
He plans to plough the field soon which will mean we cant do anything till November other than line everything up. This is ok as were not in a position to move on things right now but it's good to know a) he is in agreement in principle and b) he is willing to work with us on this.
He plans to plough the field soon which will mean we cant do anything till November other than line everything up. This is ok as were not in a position to move on things right now but it's good to know a) he is in agreement in principle and b) he is willing to work with us on this.
Elderly said:
V8RX7 said:
A neighbour bought an adjoining field and simply mowed it weekly - the Council objected but IIRC couldn't find a way to actually stop him.
A friend of mine did exactly that. The Council objected - he told them that he was taking a regular hay crop.OP sounds a reasonable farmer you have there.
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