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Q&As
Could I Build a New Dwelling on my Parents’ Land?
Hi all,
I'm new to this so would appreciate some advice.
I currently own a townhouse, which I'm thinking of renting out when I move. My parents own some agricultural land in rural Wiltshire. They currently let this out to local sheep/cattle farmers.
There is already a large building up near my parents' farmhouse. The shed is a steel framed building with timber cladding and an asbestos roof. This contains farming machinery, hay, etc. It probably measures about 15m x 50m. I wanted to know the best way of getting permission to build any type of dwelling on part of their fields? Even a log cabin?
One Answer
If the land in question is agricultural land, there are likely to be constraints on the ability to build on this land and use it for residential purposes; there is usually a presumption against residential use on agricultural land and it would certainly need planning permission.
It also does not matter in this context whether the building is large or small (like a log cabin), as it comes down to the principle of use of the land for residential purposes. You should investigate this in the first instance to understand what the planning policy is affecting the development potential of the land in this area; this can be done with the Local Planning Authority (the local council) or a planning consultant would be able to assist you with identifying and understanding any constraints.
You mention that there is already a building on the land near to the existing farmhouse. Whilst building new buildings, particularly for residential use, can be challenging on agricultural land, there are provisions for the conversion of existing agricultural buildings to residential and this may be an option to consider.
There are constraints around this in terms of ensuring that the building is in an agricultural use and that it is sufficiently structurally sound to be converted. But if these tests could be met, then it is suggested that this is a route which might be considered for achieving a further residential property in this location.
Julia Riddle (Build It planning expert)