4 replies to this topic

[adrian007]

Just read the book to check, but thought I would ask the assembled masses!

I've seen some 'permenant pasture' that ticks all my boxes.

You'll see from previous posts that I have plans around Christmas Tree's as 'phase 1' of my plan to follow field to farm.

Would I be allowed to grow christmas trees on land described as permenant pasture? The book implies that it's just another description of 'agricultural land'...

Many thanks in advance

Adrian

[Groundhog]

Permanant Pastre is terminollogy to desccibe a long term lay that may either of been down for decades or planted recently but not intended as a short rotation grass crop like Ryegrassses which have a shorter productive lifespan.Any restrictions or covenants would be disclosed by the vendor,ie is it SSSI or Improved Heathland etc etc

[Cornish Gems]

Just read the book to check, but thought I would ask the assembled masses!

As you have got the book, we suggest you contact Steve so that you can become classed as a 'Book Owner'. This will give you access to all the info available on all the forums.

For the rest of your posting, we agree with what Goundhog has said in reply. It is our understanding that farmland is farmland regardless of what it has been used for - whether for grazing or growing crops. Therefore, there is nothing to stop you from ploughing up the pasture or anything else should you so wish unless there is a covenant or something similar forbidding you so to do. Indeed, some farmers would suggest that it would improve the land because the trouble with pasture that has been grazed too long is that the soil becomes impacted and therefore will not easily benefit from the application of, say, manure. Also, look at fields in which cattle and sheep have grazed and notice that there are green patches of grass that are left alone. The same applies for other animals - they will not graze on grass that has grown up on top of their 'poo'.

The fact that it is classed as permanent pasture does not in our opinion preclude the options of putting pigs and/or chickens on it or indeed preparing for a cash crop such as Christmas Trees. However, we would suggest that you contact the Forestry Commission to ensure that you are allowed to plant trees there.

Also, check that it is not on a flood plain as otherwise you could run foul of the EA. We would suggest also that you ask why it is classed as permanent pasture as it may mean that the soil is not so good in which case your trees may well be a success as Christmas Trees will often thrive where other crops/plantings will not. Just think of what the Forestry Commission has achieved in desolate areas in Scotland!

Furthermore, we would suggest that if you are going to go ahead with Christmas Trees, then it would be beneficial to mention this as well as everything else in your submission of a prior notification. You may even be able to get away with a smaller barn than allowed and add instead an office/storage/packing area for handling and preparing the items before the selling thereof.

BTW, if you need some extremely good pre-contract enquiries regarding bare land, we can let you have some.

[adrian007]

Good replies, most helpful, many thanks...and Cornish Gems, I'll take you up on that offer in due course

I've PM'd Steve too, didn't realise I had missed the 'book owner' status!

Adrian

[LesleyDiss]

What are the rules of building on a flood plain? My neighbour has built a 2 storey annexe just a few feet away from a river. Should the planners have allowed it? I ask, as I have been turned down twice in my application to convert an existing building, even though I'm much farther away & my property is not included in the EA boundary.