Warning for those considering green belt land

If you are considering buying a plot of green belt land then be warned that you might be required to get planning permission before starting your self-build project.

The warning comes from Sevenoaks District Council who two years ago discovered that property developers were offering plots of green belt land to self-builders even though restrictions had been imposed on the land which prospective buyers were not aware of.

An Article Four direction has been imposed on the land which means planning permission is needed for self-build properties, fences, walls and other paraphernalia which buyers might have wanted to erect.

Maggie Williams, from the council, said: "We are warning people who are thinking about purchasing green belt sites for housing that they are essentially buying agricultural land that is very unlikely to be granted planning permission to be developed."

Essentially the status of green belt land is that it is protected against planning policies so that is remains free of urban development.


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