We are buying a 4 acre field on the edge of our village “building envelope”. There was previously a small-holding here and the farmhouse was demolished about 20 yrs ago (been there for over 100 yrs). What is the best way to put our case for planning permission? Should we try for a building with an agricultural tie or do we just apply for permission to rebuild the previous building (some of the foundations are still in place underneath a small copse of plum trees).

Only serious answers please – this is important – we wish to become (as far as possible) self-sufficient.