anton wrote:

Chris Nellist wrote in message ...
How do the English laws and regulations governing 'designated
agricultural land' come into play when someone wants to convert farmland
into garden??

What actually happens if someone buys somewhere in the country with a
few acres, and starts turning a field previously used for agriculture or
grazing into a large garden? Maybe rearranging a few internal boundaries
in the process. Is this in contravention of the title deeds, or planning
regs, or do neighbouring farmers who could use the land for farming have
the right to object, or...? Just wondered how the system works.


1. You need planning permission to convert farmland into
another use, such as a garden.
2. Grazing of farm animals is fine, horses ain't agricultural animals so I
think they might need a 'change of use'.
2. One thing you can do on farmland without a 'change of use'
is plant a wood- not like a country park, but as a wood. 'Amenity use' is
now recognised as one legitimate use of woodland e.g
having a pretty clearing in the middle, and having a mix of trees suitable
for a range of wildllife. grants are available, the nice man from the
Forestry Commission will come and have a preliminary discussion and guide
you on what is and waht isn't
allowed. Even without grants, it's surprisingly cheap with many trees being
50p each. Local contractors can plant and maintain the wood also very
cheaply. Once planted be aware that there are draconian laws against
ripping up a 'wood', even if its only 5-year old saplings.
3. Another thing that you can do on farmland without a change of use is
plant an orchard. Now that's a thought!

www.btinternet.com/~treesandfruit/

--
Anton


Granted the forestry comm will give you money for trees.. Ususally
however there are terms (aren't there always;-) IIRC you won't get all
the money 'up front' only after XXX period (it may even be 2 - 3 years)
and the trees have been growing and are fit and healthy. So you will
need an initial financial outlay whatever the case.

I remember the story of a guy who planted a small vegetable garden next
to his house near or on a field that was owned (not sure if by him or
neighbour) Anyway, said field was designated 'agricultural land' and was
a pea field.. Blokey with house thinks.. "Hmm I fancy a few peas.."
and plants a few rows.. Next thing the council is on to him.. His
'garden' is NOT designated ag. land.. thus he's not allowed to grow
peas... about 10 ft away (across the boundary) are more acres of peas
than you can shake a stick at..

Thats British planning & land law for ya!
//
Jim