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I was focused mainly on limited infilling in villages. The local plan does talk about allowing limited infilling in villages, but they list villages where they would consider it and this one is not on the list - so that was an open question for me how critical that list is and also whether the plot can be reasonably called infill. I was also thinking there might be a case to argue it's grey belt as on the local plan the plot is in an area that is shown as minimal contribution to the green belt purposes bar the 'preserving the green belt openness'. On that point the plot is surrounded by properties on all sides (there are open bits of land a little further away). Additionally, the plot is surrounded by trees/growth that hides what I would consider building on it from most angles. I do not have the deep pockets required for a Para 80 property, I also don't think the property is really open countryside. It is right on the border of non-green belt space.

For the last couple of weeks I've been evaluating a green belt plot, reading the relevant local plans, NPPF, nearby planning apps, etc. My conclusion to this was that I thought the plot had decent potential to get planning (relative to other green belt plots I've looked at - I know building on green belt is diffcult in the best circumstances). I've now spoken to two planning consultants. The first (my preferred) was too busy to help. The second, had a quick look and has suggested the plot is high risk, he would be willing to do a full appraisal on it for £1000 but isn't willing to have a chargable 30 min call to discuss. I have to assume he is correct as to the risk and my previous evaluation is wrong and therefore I don't want to spend £1000 on the full appraisal. But I'd very much like to get a better understanding of how he reached that initial determination both to confidently rule out this plot and as education for my continued search. So how do I move forward from here? I plan to discuss it in more detail here in due course, but I'm a little hesitant to advertise the plot here until I've confidently ruled it out. In the mean time does anyone have any recommendations for a planning consultant in the north London/Hertfordshire area who is willing to charge for a conversation vs only offering full blown written apprasials? Any other thoughts/suggestions greatly appreciated.

Definitely not ruling anything out. Just haven't found much that fits into this category that seems to work price wise. Thanks. Because I live pretty close to zone 1 and need to move quite a bit further out I can't really pull the 'I'm local' card, as much as I'd like to, seems a relatively common success story. Somehow I've not noticed that site before. Is it worth a membership? I have read "How to find and buy a building plot" thanks to a recommendation on here. Any similar suggestions (that don't just duplicate whats in it) would be appreciated.

Thanks. I have three main requirements: 1. Warm house with low bills (easy with new build, trickier with modifying existing buildings) 2. Space for a workshop area outside of the main living space - garage/garden room/etc 3. Relatively close to my divorced parents, both of whom are getting to the age where being close matters I'm trying my best to keep an open mind. Not keen on demolish and rebuild (at least not on a building that isn't already falling down) but definitely looking at the others along with buying a place to split off part of the garden or making offers to buy multiple bits of garden from different houses to make one plot. My current flat is mortgage free and assuming the cladding issues are resolved should cover the build with contingency. But obviously can't sell it right now without taking a hit to value because the issues are not yet resolved. In the mean time I'm more focused on finding plots that I could afford to buy from savings (which are much more limited than the value of the flat) though these are both tricky and rare. I don't want to take on debt. Ultimately I think I will have to wait until I can sell my flat before I can do anything but I'm keeping my eyes open now in case I get lucky and also to refine my knowledge so that when the time comes I can make quick decisions. Thanks

Hi All, I'm really glad I found this site, it's a treasure trove of useful knowledge. I've been lurking here for about a year, without a plot or active project I've not felt I've had much to contribute but now I have a time sensitive question about finding plots so it's time to say hello. I'm currently based in London, stuck in a flat affected by Grenfell related cladding issues. Thankfully that appears to be coming to an end for us soon (recent fire report showed limited changes need to be made) and once they are done the property should be more easily mortgageable and thus easier to sell. I'm relatively financially constrained but I have lots of free time so I'm looking for a largely DIY self build in an area commutable to London. I have a technical / IT background so find the theoretical aspects of building relatively easy but I don't have much practical experience but that doesn't put me off. What is getting frustrating is finding a plot, but I feel we are all in the same boat or have been here. If I'm not careful I could write an essay here so I think I'll stop now. Now I've introduced myself I hope to be able to contribute where I can, though probably limited until I find a plot.