[The Wandering Hobbits]

Hey Guys, This is my First Post so Bear with! Been studying this site for a while now, gaining ideas from everyone's experience (so Thank you) Getting really close to finding some land, its a 30+ acre old conifer plantation, recently felled and some new added, i want to purchase this and go for a permitted development right to install a (so called agricultural barn) i will build this myself so the entitlement means i can stay on the land during construction. Static Caravan.This is my intentions. My only worry is what they ask i am doing with the land. I want to live lo impact, encourage and  love the nature, grow my own food live sustainably etc, Earning the minimum wage wont be hard, i have knowledge of commercial growing. Guess im asking to put my mind at rest before i spend the hard earned pennies! Please can anyone help!! Many Thanks and Happy New Year Guys!

[waterbuffalofarmer]

Hi and a big welcome ot the forum I wopuld talk to a planning officer about this just to be on the safe side. Sorry can't help further. Hope you get it sorted soon and all the best

[Backinwellies]

I'm no planning expert but cant see that you would be able to erect an 'agricultural barn' on what is in effect forestry land....  and as for living there you might get temporary permission for a mobile caravan... but unlikey ever to become residential............ 

[honeyend]

Its really hard to get planning permission for a static caravan or any sort of accommodation on virgin land even if you have farm animals and are running a business. Neighbours experience.
  If you are in not in a special area like a national park you can get PD for a barn if you have enough acerage, you just tell them what you are going to do. There is nothing to stop you storing a caravan in the barn.
  I would not talk to the planers, I would look on the local planning portal, see who gets things passed and pay to see a planning advisor.
  In my experience its very rare that the local planning department are there to help you. We have had one project passed but are having trouble with the next as the planners are being ****. 

[harmony]

If you want to be sure what you do is allowed then take proper planning advice, from an advisor or the planners otherwise be prepared for the consequence and costs.


People generally dislike the planners on here. Usually because they wont let them do what they want. Most of the time because it isn't allowed under current planning law and sometimes because they have been given the wrong advice.


Getting a static seems to be the first step to getting a permanent dwelling in many people's minds, especially if you add animals into the equation. It doesn't always work.

[Buttermilk]

I am pretty sure getting permitted development for an agricultural "barn" does not entitle you to live on site to supervise the work.

[arobwk]

Sound thoughts/advice have already been offered Wandering Hobbits.  Just to say that, in the circumstances (trees already felled), I imagine the planners will, indeed, press you on your intentions and your need for a storage building. As suggested by others, I believe advice from a good planning consultant would be advisable before purchase if the intended purchase is absolutely contingent on you finding a way (by hook or by crook) to live on the land. However, even if you can "sell" your case to the planners, there will still be the reaction of neighbours to consider in future when it becomes apparent that you are living on the land - they might not be sympathetic and then the game will be up.

[landroverroy]

I would definitely NOT talk to the planners. With experience of about 6 different projects, all of which we eventually got planning for, I have found the planners unhelpful and downright obstructive, to the extent of dreaming up reasons why we couldn't get permission which were clearly irrelevant.
You cannot beat talking to a good planning professional and that is your problem. Do some research to find someone that is recommended to you. Some are good at drawing up plans but not sufficiently knowledgeable to put a good case forward. Others will charge a fortune for poor advice. Do your own research on the internet so you have an idea what you want of your planning professional. Martin Goodall's Planning Blog is very informative. 

[alang]

Taken from the FC guide on felling trees, i would ensure there are no conditions placed on the owners to 'replant/replace' the trees felled previously.

Quote: You must explain how you intend to restock the felled area. Under the Forestry Act 1967, (as amended), we usually attach conditions to the licence to secure restocking. We will
discuss any proposed restocking conditions with you before a licence is issued. If you
propose to clear the area and not restock we will consider your application under the
Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) Regulations 1999 (see above).

[SallyintNorth]

Planning aside, a felled conifer plantation is a very hostile environment for growing anything except more conifers. And flies.  And ants.

[landroverroy]

Planning aside, a felled conifer plantation is a very hostile environment for growing anything except more conifers. And flies.  And ants.

Or outdoor pigs , or poultry   . . . . . 

[Perris]

wandering hobbits, this may be more your thing - it's certainly a project and a half for somebody!
https://www.theguardian.com/money/gallery/2018/jan/05/french-hilltop-home-on-the-site-of-a-roman-fortress-in-pictures

[SallyintNorth]

Planning aside, a felled conifer plantation is a very hostile environment for growing anything except more conifers. And flies.  And ants.

Or outdoor pigs , or poultry   . . . . .

Good ideas

[arobwk]

Planning aside, a felled conifer plantation is a very hostile environment for growing anything except more conifers. And flies.  And ants.

I'm just interested to know:  why is a felled conifer plantation not good for planting other stuff (apart from lots of roots of course)?

[pharnorth]

Acid soil?