The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Smallholding => Buildings & planning => Topic started by: Matt lowe on July 31, 2024, 10:51:29 am
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I own a 1 acre plot of agricultural land in Suffolk. For the last 6 yrs we have lived on the land in a static caravan, whilst we build up the business. I'm now in the position to leave full time work to further the farm business. We have been given an enforcement notice by the local council to remove the caravan and a horsebox which we use for storage of straw and tools. We have also been asked to take down any stock fencing we have . Please does anyone have any advice.
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You should have applied for temporary permission for the last six years. It needs to be renewed every three years. You will either have to comply and remove everything or apply now for temporary consent, and hope they will allow it. I suspect someone has reported you
Best to find yourself an architect or planning consultant right away, even then you may not succeed, but at the very least communicate with planning
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Try these guys https://tlio.org.uk/chapter7/
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Was the enforcement notice the first you heard about it? Normally you'd get a PCN - Planning Contravention Notice - first, then have some communication with the council before a PEN is issued. Getting the help of a planning consultant (which could be Chapter 7, as linked by Rosemary) at the PCN stage may help avert the PEN. For instance, it sounds as though you'd be able to make a business case for your use of the land.
It's not illegal to occupy land or a dwelling or caravan without planning permission, but it is once you've been issued a PEN. You may still be able to apply for retrospective planning permission if you have a good business case.
:fc: for you