Author Topic: What permission do I need to dig a lake? (Read 38203 times)

P6te · « **on:** September 18, 2012, 03:12:06 pm »

We are looking into having a fishing lake dug. At the moment the area is agricultural land - part of a field. Once established we would be looking to charge either individuals or clubs to fish.

Does anyone know:

What permission is required?
Is it classed as change of use?

I'm sure other questions will be raised but I'll start off with this.

Many thanks

Pete

the great composto · « **Reply #1 on:** September 18, 2012, 03:17:08 pm »

i noticed this on the farmers weekly online which may help.

http://www.fwi.co.uk/Articles/25/01/2006/92001/So-you-want-to.-Offer-fishing.htm

lachlanandmarcus · « **Reply #2 on:** September 18, 2012, 03:20:37 pm »

And also this similar query on the british farming forum, lots of useful info
http://farmingforum.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=12251

P6te · « **Reply #3 on:** September 18, 2012, 03:37:10 pm »

Many thanks to both of you .... I'll digest the content later.

As always .... other comments, advice or experience passed on most welcome.

Pete

feldar · « **Reply #4 on:** September 18, 2012, 04:38:22 pm »

Some friends of ours inherited a lake when they moved house only to discover it had been dug without permission and the council had ordered the old owner to fill it in. This was quite an established lake a few years old and because our friends wanted to go for planning for stables they were strongly advised to fill it in if they wanted any future planning issues resolved.
So that's what they did, a terrible shame becuse there was a lot of wildlife in that lake.

HappyHippy · « **Reply #5 on:** September 18, 2012, 04:59:10 pm »

I think you'll definately need PP for the change of use from agri to 'leisure' $:-\$

Not sure if building regs come into play with ponds/lakes - but it wouldn't surprise me

Good luck, sounds like fun

bloomer · « **Reply #6 on:** September 18, 2012, 05:03:11 pm »

i know your in scotland so i dont know who you need to check with in england/wales you also need to consult the environment agency if any part of the proposed lake is within a certain distance of any other water be it stream/river or other lake...

lachlanandmarcus · « **Reply #7 on:** September 18, 2012, 05:08:27 pm »

The farming forum post replies have feedback on when PP required, when building regs get involved etc, pitfalls (eg stream next to lake, fishers dont want to pay for local otter to eat all the fish :-) mind you that could be an attraction in itself).
But short answer is yes it would be change of use if you are charging people to use it and yes it would require PP. Really the only exemption is a smallish one (certainly less than 1 acre - the FW article recommended min 3 for a commercial lake) which is for agric purposes or own enjoyment - anything bigger or commercial would need PP.

P6te · « **Reply #8 on:** September 19, 2012, 08:10:54 am »

Thank you all for your input .... we are infact in the Midlands (in England) not Scotland. The size of lake we envisage would be no more than 1 acre of water so we are not looking at this on a big scale. Their are some other fishing lakes on this scale in the locality and our homework indicates that their is a demand for fishing a smallish, quality lake.

We have identified a fisheries consultant who specialises in advising in these matters so are looking to approach him.

In addition to the lake we are looking at a tea room and the providing food along the lines of hot bacon and sausage cobs to the fishermen .... delivered to the peg on a cool morning ... who could resist!!

bloomer · « **Reply #9 on:** September 19, 2012, 08:13:39 am »

sorry my confusion as to yor location,

i left the midlands this year and was a regular on many venue's the tearoom/bacon butty supply was often a decider on where i fished :-)

planning for the tearoom/bacon butty supply may be harder than for the lake!!!

P6te · « **Reply #10 on:** September 19, 2012, 08:34:54 am »

Quote from: bloomer on September 19, 2012, 08:13:39 am

planning for the tearoom/bacon butty supply may be harder than for the lake!!!

I'm not actually too concerned about the planning for the tea room, our village did a Village Plan a few years ago that is lodged with our planning authority (South Derbyshire District Council) and one item that is recognised as having a demand and would be welcomed is a tea room. We are well placed for local trade as well as tapping into Trent and Mersey Canal narrow boaters that pass within easy walking distance!