Change of use, is it worth it

[I know nothing]

Hi everyone, long time lurker first time posted.

 

I’ve recently purchased a semi detached property (new build). I am on the  end of a row - developer has offered me an extra 10m of land marking my overall garden around 20m wide.

 

there is a clause though, the land is strictly agricultural/amenity, and I would need to apply for a change of use to residential.

 

the land will be mine and completely fenced in  and part of my garden.

 

Eventually I would like to use the land to house my shed and my office.

 

Question: 

**Is it worth  getting the extra piece, it would be great for the kids , and   It’s at a good rate 

**how realistic is it getting the land use changed ? 

thank you in advanced 

[Roundtuit]

I'd be interested in buying it if I were you, but there's a few things to consider.  Firstly, I suspect that as you're the end of the row the land has little value to anyone else, so bear that in mind when negotiating.  Secondly, you need to be clear what the current land classification is.  I'd guess unlikely to be agricultural.  If it's amenity land that forms part of the developers overall scheme, you might find you're not permitted to change the use or fence it in, or are restricted in fence height. More investigation to do perhaps!

[JamesP]

Some friends bought a new build on an estate and offered a rather awkward parcel of land adjoining the curtilage which they purchased. Detached and end of cul de sac.

They have just secured planning for large double garage and accommodation above.

No guarantees but if the price is right, go for it.

[Kelvin]

Generally you aren’t allowed to build anything on amenity land. I know of someone that put some dog jumps up on their amenity land and got a letter from the council about it. We had some strict covenants on our field but were still able to have a large field shelter (because it was movable) which I put doors on. With amenity land attached to a dwelling they you can enjoy the use if it but they want buildings and garden stuff close to the house rather than spread out. 
 

Therefore change of use might be challenging but not impossible. I’d definitely take the land but don’t overpay for it as worst case you gain a bit of land that you can’t do much with. However, that doesn’t mean to say you couldn’t start using it as an extension of your garden. As long as no one complains the council are unlikely to find out and after 10 years they can’t do much about it. Just keep really good records of how you’ve used it. 

[Marvin]

2 minutes ago, Kelvin said:

As long as no one complains the council are unlikely to find out and after 10 years they can’t do much about it. Just keep really good records of how you’ve used it.

I thought the law had changed on this.. 

[Kelvin]

23 minutes ago, Marvin said:

I thought the law had changed on this.. 

 

Is that not adverse possession? 

[Blooda]

If the price is right it is better to own it rather than someone else.  

Agricultural land circa £10000 per acre [4046ish m²  ] = £2.50 per m²

Assuming the strip is 20x10 agricultural land = 200 @ £2.50 per = £500

But obviously doesn't work that easily. 

 

Is it agricultural or amenity ?  you mentioned it would be fenced in - would that be ok if it amenity land ?

 

There is an old discussion here :-

 

 

 

A bigger garden will definitely make the house easier to sell in the future.

 

[Marvin]

1 hour ago, Kelvin said:

 

Is that not adverse possession? 

Hi @KelvinI think your right. However, I though Amenity Land was a requirement of the planning requirements of the development and therefore couldn't be changed???

[Kelvin]

11 minutes ago, Marvin said:

Hi @KelvinI think your right. However, I though Amenity Land was a requirement of the planning requirements of the development and therefore couldn't be changed???

Hard to change yes but it can be part of the residential area and doesn’t necessarily need a fence between it and the garden. Different councils take different positions on it. 

[Drellingore]

If it's agricultural land (and it sounds like it might not be) then advice from my farm-owning neighbours is that you can erect a shed on it for a relevant agricultural purpose. So wang a vegetable patch next to it, and that'll probably suffice. Home office, not so much.